YOU CAN KISS IT GOODBYE NEXT TIME
JOE ROOT believes a series-levelling victory at the Oval can kick-start a turnaround in fortunes for the England Test side on their way to regaining the Ashes in two and a half years’ time.
Victory in the final Test by
135 runs denied Australia the series win with the fivematch series finishing 2-2.
But it is the next contest between the two sides Down Under in 2021-22 that
Root believes they must start building towards. “I will do everything I can to get us prepared for going down there and doing something very special,” he said. “I am planning to be here and I am desperate to take this team forward. “Hopefully that is a starting point and stepping stone for us to start moving forward as a team. We look like we are starting to get to grips with
Test cricket after a long period of one-day cricket and now we have an opportunity in the next two and a half years to push and do everything we can to prepare for the tour to Australia. That will be a huge focus for me.”
Root says that in Rory Burns and Jofra Archer England have found a batsman and a bowler who can be in it for the journey.
“Guys have stepped up under pressure and that is really pleasing. Rory has come through it and has been a stand-out opener throughout the whole series,” he said. “And when I faced Archer in the nets with the red ball it was clear he was going to be very special [but] we’ve got to be careful not to expect too much. He is a young guy playing all three formats and I am still learning how to get the best out of him as captain, but he is going to entertain and make things happen.
“He will not always bowl at 90mph but will go at two an over and create chances.” Matthew Wade and Jofra Archer get up close and personal at the Oval yesterday