Root enjoys change in fortunes

Joe Root admits he is savouring England’s white-ball dominance over Australia all the more after captaining his country to defeat in the Ashes.

Root led the tourists to a bruising 4-0 defeat in the Test series but since surrendering the urn he has personified a glaring shift in fortunes, coming to the fore in handsome one-day wins at the MCG and the Gabba.

After making 91 not out in the record run chase in Melbourne he was again unbeaten as England chased down 271 in Brisbane, hitting 46 as he and Chris Woakes (39 not out) sealed a four-wicket win with more than five overs remaining.

Root had earlier chipped in with two for 31 as Eoin Morgan’s inspired decision to use his occasional offbreaks for seven overs struck gold.

“It’s a lot nicer than the other way round I’ll tell you that,” he said of the changing momentum.

“It’s been a tough tour. There are quite a few guys who have been involved in the Tests and we now have a great opportunity now to be really successful throughout this series.

“I’m still going about my cricket in the same manner, the same determination and drive. I was desperate to win that Test series and I’m desperate to win this white-ball series.”

In taking the wickets of home captain Steve Smith and No 4 Travis Head, as well as keeping the rate in check throughout a disciplined spell, Root put Australia under pressure and exposed their folly in dropping their own tweaker, Adam Zampa.

But he passed the credit to Eoin Morgan, who led his England selection for a record 70th time, eclipsing Alastair Cook as the most capped skipper.

“He just turned to me to try and sneak a few extra overs in and it went a little better than we all anticipated,” said Root.

“That’s quite smart captaincy from him, to be able to juggle things round and make sure he had plenty of options at the death was crucial.”

Joe Root: took two key wickets.