Joe Root, despite battling a “stinking cold,” is brimming with anticipation as he prepares for the upcoming Ashes series. Speaking via Zoom, a platform he became all too familiar with during his captaincy amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Root reflects on past challenges and his aspirations for the series. His eyes, however, are set on a different kind of achievement this time around.
The former England captain, who has faced criticism for his performances in Australia, is determined to turn the tide. The 2021-22 Ashes tour was particularly grueling, with England playing more Test cricket under pandemic conditions than any other team, while Australia came in fresh. Root admits to being frustrated by repeated errors, both from his team and himself, especially on the bouncy Australian pitches.
Root’s Reflection and Resolve
Root’s journey through previous Ashes tours in Australia has been tumultuous. He recounts the 5-0 loss in 2013-14 and the challenges of his first tour as captain in 2017-18, marred by off-field controversies. The 2021-22 series was no less difficult, with COVID-19 disruptions leaving the team exhausted and undermanned.
Despite these setbacks, Root is optimistic about the upcoming series. “This time around, I’ve got all that experience to lean on,” he says. “I’m playing some nice cricket, I’ve not got the responsibility of captaincy and the extra workload that entails, and I’m determined to just enjoy what a brilliant tour it’s going to be.”
A New Role and Perspective
Root is now a senior player in Ben Stokes’ team, free from the burdens of captaincy. This shift allows him to focus solely on his performance. “This series is not about me, it’s about us winning an Ashes,” he asserts. “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.”
Since stepping down as captain, Root has thrived. In 41 Tests, he has scored 3,654 runs at an average of 58, with 14 centuries. His role as a stabilizing force in the “Bazball” batting order has been crucial, providing security to emerging talents like Ben Duckett and Harry Brook.
The Root-Stokes Dynamic
Root’s relationship with Stokes is one of mutual respect and support. “He threw everything into helping me out when I was England captain,” Root recalls. Now, he sees it as his turn to repay that favor. “As a senior player, whether that’s in terms of performance on the field – that’s the most important one – but also whether it’s messaging [within the team], trying to create something outside of the norm over this period, that’s my role.”
Root’s innovative approach to batting, including the use of the ramp or scoop shot, exemplifies his strategic mindset. “If it can create a little bit of chaos and take a bowler off their length, that can not only benefit you, but the guy at the other end,” he explains.
Opportunities and Challenges Ahead
With Australia’s Pat Cummins absent from the first Test and Josh Hazlewood’s fitness in question, England has a chance to capitalize on a weakened bowling attack. The situation evokes memories of Rahul Dravid’s “creaking terminators” comment, as Australia faces its own challenges with an aging lineup.
Stokes has predicted a significant tour for Root, who is ready to embrace the challenge. “A lot of the time if the game wasn’t moving in the direction you wanted, if you needed someone to make something happen, Ben would generally be the person I’d turn to,” Root notes, highlighting Stokes’ leadership qualities.
“It’s very hard for anyone to play well with fear of failure in their mind,” Root says. “One thing this group tries to do is how we can positively move the game in our favour.”
As Root prepares to embark on this pivotal series, his focus is clear: to contribute to an Ashes victory, regardless of personal milestones. His journey reflects a blend of past lessons and present opportunities, as England aims to reclaim the Ashes on Australian soil.
