Cricket: Root took his time over Bangladesh decision

The current no. 2 ranked batsman in Test cricket, Joe Root has admitted that he thought long and hard before deciding to make himself available for England's upcoming tour of Bangladesh.

"It was a very difficult decision," admitted the 25-year-old vice-captain before committing himself to the two-test series in the sub-continent, reports thetelegraphandargus.co.uk

One-day international captain Eoin Morgan and test and one-day opener Alex Hales both opted not to tour because of security fears, and Root confessed: "I took a lot of time to think about it, and you have to respect the decisions of any players who decide not to go.

"I listened to the views of Reg Dickason (ECB security director) and spoke to my family about it before deciding to go."

Root, who has been rested for the initial three one-day internationals in Bangladesh early next month, said: "They are a very strong side and have some very good players and we will need to play well to beat them in their home conditions.

"It is important that countries like England go to Bangladesh, and Test cricket is good at the moment.

Teenage opener Haseeb Hameed was included in the England Test squad announced on September 16 for the tour of Bangladesh. The uncapped 19-year-old Lancashire star was selected after a successful season for the Red Rose county and following the decision of current England opener Alex Hales to rule himself out of the tour on security grounds.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced in an official statement on August 25 that England's tour to Bangladesh will go ahead as planned. 

Travelling on 29 September, England will play three ODIs and two Test matches in Bangladesh starting on 7 October followed by five Test matches in India throughout November and December.

After the terror attack at the Holey Artisan Bakery on July 1, the tour, scheduled to begin in October was thrown into uncertainty.