Joe Root, battling a “stinking cold,” is gearing up for the Ashes with a gleam of anticipation in his eyes. As he speaks via Zoom, a tool he became all too familiar with during his captaincy amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Root reflects on his past experiences and future ambitions.
The Joe Root of the 2021-22 Ashes tour appeared worn and frustrated, aware that England had played more Test cricket under pandemic conditions than any other team. He was also conscious of his own and his team’s repeated errors, particularly the tendency to run deliveries through the gully and third-man regions on Australia’s bouncy pitches. This has contributed to the perception that, despite his record-breaking achievements, Root has not yet proven himself as a first-rate player in Australia.
Root’s Determination and Past Challenges
Root, who has been compared unfavorably to contemporaries like Steve Smith and Virat Kohli, remains unfazed by criticism. “Everyone is entitled to their opinion,” Root says. “My job is to score runs, and I’ve got five brilliant opportunities to do that in this series.”
Reflecting on previous Ashes tours, Root recalls the challenges faced in 2013-14, 2017-18, and 2021-22. “The first one was a very difficult one, losing 5-0,” he says. “The second was my first tour as captain, with off-field incidents affecting the team. The last one was during COVID, and we were exhausted after playing 20-odd Test matches in those environments.”
“If we come away from this and I haven’t got a hundred, and we win the series, that would be probably the best achievement of my whole career.” — Joe Root
Root’s Role and Relationship with Stokes
Since handing over the captaincy to Ben Stokes in 2022, Root has flourished, scoring 3654 runs at an average of 58 across 41 Tests. He credits Stokes for creating an environment where the team can thrive. “He threw everything into helping me out when I was England captain,” Root says. “Now it’s my opportunity to repay that favor.”
Root’s role as a senior player is pivotal, both on and off the field. “As a senior player, whether that’s in terms of performance on the field or messaging within the team, that’s my role,” he explains. His use of innovative shots, such as the ramp or scoop, exemplifies his strategic thinking and adaptability.
Looking Forward: The Ashes and Beyond
With the absence of Pat Cummins from the first Test in Perth and Josh Hazlewood’s fitness in question, England sees an opportunity to capitalize. Despite these challenges, Root remains focused on the team’s success rather than individual accolades.
“It’s very hard for anyone to play well with fear of failure in their mind. One thing this group tries to do is how we can positively move the game in our favour.” — Joe Root
Root’s optimism is buoyed by the supportive environment fostered by Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum. “They are very good at making people feel confident and at their best as often as possible,” Root notes.
As England prepares for the Ashes, Root’s determination to contribute to a series victory, even without personal milestones, underscores his commitment to the team. His journey from captaincy challenges to a key player in a flourishing team highlights his resilience and dedication to the sport.
