FILE PHOTO: Cricket - Fourth Test - England v India - The Oval, London, Britain - September 6, 2021 England's Joe Root in action Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge
LONDON (Reuters) - Joe Root has always been a key component in England's test lineup but, such is the current fragility of their top order, it is probably no exaggeration to suggest that their Ashes hopes will stand or fall on their captain's batting form.
Since the departure of the ever-dependable Alastair Cook, England have tried umpteen top-three combinations without ever finding anything of substance, a situation that has piled even more pressure and responsibility on Root.
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