Joe: We can win them all

eight months and it’s important we drive it home next week and don’t let up.

“We are not the finished article, we want to get to No.1 at some point, but we don’t want to stand still.

“We have to be consistent to do that – in all parts of the world and on different surfaces.”

Root admitted he struggled to sleep on the eve of England’s seriesclinching victory.

But it didn’t take him long to realise he could rest easy with his fastevolving side.

When asked how he had slept the night before, Root said: “I didn’t. Three hours, I reckon.

Options

“I was thinking about all different numbers of scenarios that could happen but as soon as I got to the ground I felt very calm.

“Knowing the ability within the dressing room, the number of different options that we can turn to, we were always going to be able to create enough chances to win the game.

“It was just about being cool enough to take them and we certainly did that.”

It was England’s first away success since beating South Africa in 2015-16 – and a first with Root as captain – as he saw his bold strategy reap huge rewards.

He added: “We said we were going to play in a certain manner and we’ve backed that up completely in the two games and that’s probably the most pleasing thing.

“It feels very special. It’s about the character, the skill level and the hard work that’s put in around the games. It all adds up.”