Root pleased with New Balance throwback kit

JOE Root will walk out at the home of cricket this summer for his first Test as England captain resplendent in a new kit which is “as traditional as it gets”.

That description of his 2017 Test whites — replete with cable-knit cream jumper — came from the man himself as he helped suppliers New Balance unveil the new gear for all England’s international teams across the formats at their flagship London store last night.

Root sported an ultra-classical long-sleeve jumper as he joined his fellow England captains — limited-overs leader Eoin Morgan and Heather Knight of the women’s team at the launch.

There was no disguising Root’s enthusiasm for the new look as he spoke soon afterwards about the attire he will wear again when he takes the field at Lord’s in July for his first Test in charge against South Africa.

“It’s as traditional as it gets, isn’t it?” he said. “It’s what Test cricket is about.

“I’ve not played in one like this for England before. I’m glad to see New Balance have embraced that, and it fits in perfectly with how we want to play Test cricket.”

That brand of cricket, Root hopes, will be both contemporary and attacking — and the throwback kit recalls his teenage memories of watching England’s thrilling series victory over Australia under Michael Vaughan’s captaincy.

“The guys in 2005 who won the Ashes wore the old cable-knit jumper, and there are some great iconic moments in English cricket that are associated with clothes like this,” said the 26-year-old.“I hope there will be many more in the future.”

Asked if he will be washing his whites himself, he said: “Yes, I don’t leave it in my bag between games.”