Root: Ashes series likely to define my legacy

ENGLAND skipper Joe Root has declared himself ready for an Ashes series that will “define my captaincy”.

Statistically Root is already his country’s most successful Test leader, overtaking mentor Michael Vaughan in the summer when he oversaw a 27th victory over India at Headingley.

But he has yet to get the better of Australia, having suffered a 4-0 defeat in his previous campaign Down Under followed by a 2-2 draw in 2019 which saw the tourists retain the urn.

So when Root steps out for the first Test at The Gabba on Wednesday, he knows his very reputation is on the line.

“Of course it will define my captaincy, I’m not naive enough to think it won’t,” he said at a series launch that saw him come face-to-face with his latest opposite number, Pat Cummins.

“If you look how hard it’s been for English captains and English teams (to win in Australia) over the years, it has been something which doesn’t happen very often.

“But what a great opportunity. I’m very excited about it and can’t wait for the series to get going.”

The numbers do make uneasy reading. England have triumphed just once behind enemy lines in the last eight trips, losing nine of their last 10 Tests and drawing the other.

The standout success of 201011, when Sir Andrew Strauss fronted a famous 3-1 win, accounts for half of their Test victories in Australia over the past 30 years.

For Root, that historical adversity is the perfect backdrop to do something special – not just for him as a captain but for each of his team-mates.

Asked if his squad had what it takes to meet the challenge ahead, he said: “What better stage to really grab a series and make an announcement on the international stage? To say ‘I’m an Ashes player and I want to live in the history of this great rivalry’. That carrot is there for everyone.”

While Australia have decided to go on the front foot with selection, naming their XI three days early and confirming spots for Mitchell Starc and Travis Head, England are biding their time.

Pace bowler Mark Wood and batter Ollie Pope may make the cut. Wood’s extra venom makes him an attractive option at a venue known for its lively surfaces, but a poor weather forecast and a green pitch means swing and seam could be equally useful weapons.