REVIVAL WILL TAKE ROOT
England on the up after series win
JOE ROOT says sealing series victory against the No1 team in Test cricket can kick-start a charge back to the top for his England side. The England captain said beating India – the 3-1 series win confirmed with a 60-run victory in Southampton yesterday – was his best series as captain, after Moeen Ali, left, had done the damage. But he insisted that his side must use it to make real progress in red-ball cricket as they look ahead to the Ashes. “It is a really exciting time for me and for this team,” said Root. “I’ve got a clear vision of how I see us improving long term as a group and we’ve got some guys who are very willing to buy into that. “They are also very realistic, understanding where we currently are and where we could get to. I hope it is a big step in the right direction for
us and we can go from strength to strength.” England, who will move from fifth to fourth in the ICC Test rankings, bowled India out for 184 after setting a target of 245 for victory.
And Root had Moeen to thank for it. He paid tribute to the all-rounder who was making a return to the Test side here after five months out following a loss of form. “Sometimes having a bit of time away from the game can be a good thing and he has obviously performed exceptionally well for Worcestershire,” said Root.
“He’s in the form of his life with the bat and ball as well, and he has taken that straight into Test cricket.
“I couldn’t be more pleased for him. Mo is a big part of the dressing room and of this team.”
England go to the Oval on Friday for the fifth Test looking to round off the summer with a 4-1 win. And it appears the captain remains keen to make his temporary move back to No4 for the second innings here in Southampton permanent. “I’ve always favoured No4,” he added.
India skipper Virat Kohli said: “England were braver in tough situations than us. It has been a very competitive series and we will not throw in the towel in the last game.”