England levelling Ashes delights Root

England captain Joe Root said levelling the Ashes at 2-2 rounded off a summer that has been a “huge success” for English cricket.

Victory in an amazing final saw England win a first World Cup in July. Though they did not regain the Ashes, Ben Stokes inspired them to an astonishing win in the third Test and victory at The Oval ensured the series ended in a draw. “What a summer of cricket it has been,” said Root. England’s World Cup final victory over New Zealand came after a super over was tied, while, at Headingley, Stokes played one of the all-time great innings to lead the hosts to their highest ever Test run-chase, the final 76 runs coming in a last-wicket stand with Jack Leach.

“It’s been phenomenal,” added the Yorkshire batsman. “That World Cup was incredible, for it to finish how it did, made for fantastic viewing – not just the England games, but across the board.

“It was backed up by such an evenly matched Ashes series. We were blessed by brilliant support throughout and the cricket was pretty gripping. It was quite hard to be involved in at times, especially when we were on the wrong end of it.

“It has been a huge success for English cricket and a great opportunity to spring the game forward in this country.” England’s defeat in the fourth Test at Old Trafford ensured Australia could not lose the series and would retain the Ashes. However, defending a record that has seen them not lose a home series to Australia since 2001, England levelled the series with a 135run victory at The Oval.

“A 2-2 score looks a hell of a lot better than 3-1,” said Root, who has failed to win either of his Ashes series as captain. “It’s probably a fair result.

“There have been times when we have been out skilled and we have been sloppy for the odd hour here and there, which has cost us, but we have always fought very hard. “Hopefully that will be a massive stepping stone and starting point from where we can kick on as a team.”