Joe Root criticises growing problem at Cricket World Cup - 'I couldn't breathe'

25 October 2023 , 08:02

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Joe Root criticises growing problem at Cricket World Cup - 'I couldn't breathe'

England star Joe Root has criticised the air quality control at the Cricket World Cup in India after revealing that he was struggling to breathe during his team's latest defeat.

Temperatures in Mumbai reached 35C as South Africa trounced England by 229 runs on Saturday, making it Root and co's biggest loss in 50-over World Cup history. With Jos Buttler's slumping side now having lost three of their four matches at the tournament and facing an uphill battle to reach the knockout stages, Root complained that it was like "eating air" in the "unique" conditions at the Wankhede Stadium.

"I've not played in anything like that before," the Yorkshire ace, 32, claimed. "I've obviously played in hotter conditions, and probably more humid conditions. But it just felt like you couldn't get your breath. It was like you were eating the air. It was unique."

The former England Test captain furthered his point by explaining how South Africa middle-order batsman Heinrich Klassen, who was awarded the Player of the Match, was unable to field following his incredible knock of 109 runs from 67 balls.

"You could see it with Klaasen. You could see how much it took out of him, not being able to get back out onto the field," Root continued, with Mumbai set to host three more matches at the tournament, including a semi-final.

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"I mean you couldn't get away from it. You walk out onto the field and your shirt's soaking wet, and you have a lot heavier breath than you would do, and you know you've done your fitness and stuff, it's not like you're short on that. So you are very aware of it."

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Joe Root has raised concerns over the quality of air in India, particularly Mumbai (Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

In the capital city of Delhi, renowned for having some of the worst air pollution in India, the quality has this week sunk into the "very poor" category, bringing about concerns over Australia's clash with the Netherlands on Wednesday.

Mitchell Marsh, however, played down the issue when speaking to reporters during Australia's pre-match press conference. "I think the only time I'm affected by the air quality is when my golf ball goes up in the air and I can't see it," a typically relaxed Marsh joked. "But apart from that, absolutely no stress in mind."

Nathan Ridley