ROOT'S IRISH SOS

Struggling Joe wants to play against Ireland tomorrow to improve his dodgy form ahead of next month's World Cup in India

- MIKE WALTERS

JOE ROOT has asked to play against Ireland tomorrow in a surprise move to improve his patchy form before the World Cup.

After England selector Luke Wright defended the brutal axing of opener Jason Roy, Root has been granted extra match practice.

In four games against New Zealand in their final warm-up series before defending their 50-over crown in India next month, Root scored six, nought, four and 29. Root's request to join England's second-string side for the first ODI against Ireland at Headingley has been granted.

But jilted Roy, 33, has turned down an invitation to prove his fitness after sitting out the 3-1 series win against the Black Caps with back spasms. Wright said: "Joe just wanted a bit more time in the middle.

"It shows what makes him such a world-class player that, when he doesn't feel quite right, he still wants to tinker and do more.