Captain Root inspired to improve his batting
Joe Root hopes that the England Test captaincy will propel his own batting to “the next level”.
New father Root is determined to embrace his extended responsibilities both at home and for England – and contrary to worries voiced by some, he takes the view that there is no reason why his batting cannot benefit rather than be adversely affected.
He cites Virat Kohli as an example to emulate, having watched the India captain improve significantly as a batsman since he was promoted to lead a Test team which has gone to the top of the International Cricket Council rankings.
Root has established an admirable record already – with an average of almost 53 in his 53 Tests to date.
Asked about his prospects as captain, he said: “I see it as a good opportunity to take my game to the next level. Every kid dreams of being England captain one day... I’m just really looking forward to getting my teeth into it and putting my mark on things.
“You look at other guys who’ve taken similar roles like Virat and (Australia captain) Steve Smith, and they’ve gone on to bigger and better things.
“I don’t see why I can’t look at it in the same light.” Root has promised to captain England with a smile on his face – because he wants people to enjoy watching his Test team win.
There have been suggestions that Root’s accession might force him to constrain his natural impishness to befit a role which inevitably places new demands on him.
But the 26-year-old Yorkshireman is having none of it. Asked if there is any reason why he should change, he said: “I don’t think so.
“You have 10 to 15 years to enjoy being at the pinnacle of the sport – and the more I can get that across to the lads, the better. That’s always been a big part of why I want to play – to enjoy the sport.”
It will help, of course, if England can be successful.
“I’d like to be a captain that wins, is tough to play against, and hope we’ll play cricket that is enjoyable to watch,” he added.
“That is something that excites me. It should be entertaining Test cricket.”
Cook spoke very honestly last week, after his resignation was confirmed, of a team which had perhaps “stagnated” under his leadership and needed a “fresh voice”. Root’s remedy is simple. He added: “I just want to be very natural, instinctive and find something that naturally works.
“It’s the biggest honour in the game – simple as that. It’s a good opportunity to give something back to the game that has given me so much.”
England and Wales Cricket Board director Andrew Strauss, meanwhile, has spelled out the qualities which meant Root – after 20 months as Cook’s vice-captain – stood out for the job.
“He has got that really good mix of being relatively light-hearted, not too serious but with a real spine and solidity to him – and ability to stand up and fight for either himself or his team,” said Strauss. “You need all that if you’re going to play a good captain’s role.”