England's captain Joe Root (AP Photo)
Joe Root has called on England to enjoy their Test series triumph over Pakistan without letting the celebrations spill into unnecessary controversy. England wrapped up a 2-0 lead in the three-match series with a 194-run victory at Lord’s, securing their first multi-match Test series win since 2024. With one game still to play, Root acknowledged the achievement but urged his teammates to celebrate responsibly. “It’s important we’re not talking about, absolutely,” Root said during the post-match media interaction at Lord’s. “But it’s hard to win Test matches, it’s hard to win Test series, so enjoy it and celebrate it, but in a sensible, grown-up way. “It’s been a really good start to, I don’t know what you want to call it, this new team.”
Root wary of off-field controversy
Root’s comments came as England celebrated another dominant performance against Pakistan. The victory gave them an unassailable advantage in the series, but the former captain was keen to ensure the focus remained on what the team had achieved on the field. His call for “sensible” celebrations also comes with England having been involved in off-field controversies around celebrations in the past. The immediate challenge for Root, however, is a personal one.
Root searching for answers with the bat
The England batter has endured an unusually difficult summer. He is averaging 29.44 across nine innings, significantly below his career average of 50.38. His struggles were particularly evident at Lord’s, where he was dismissed lbw in both innings. That took his tally of lbw dismissals this summer to seven. Root, though, insisted he was not overly concerned and believes he can work his way through the problem. “I’ve always been quite good at understanding and eventually problem-solving,” he said. “I’ll continue to keep working hard. I might have been lbw a few times, but lots of those have been umpire’s call – if they go the other way it might not be as much of a talking point. “We’ve also seen the ball move more than it ever has. So there has to be a sense of calm and realism around things. I know I’m a good player, and I’d like to think there’s a big score around the corner.”
Root questions this summer’s Dukes ball
Root also raised concerns about the behaviour of the Dukes ball being used this summer, suggesting it has felt different from previous batches. While he admitted he had no evidence of a manufacturing change, Root believes the balls have appeared harder and may have a different lacquer. “I think they’ve been very different this year,” Root said. “I think there’s a different lacquer to them. I don’t know, I’ve not got evidence on that – you probably need to ask Dukes – but I think there’s lacquer on the seam.
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“As a batter, when you practise, they’re cracking your bats more frequently. And they seem a lot firmer.” The England batter also suggested the harder balls could be having an impact on the pitches themselves, potentially creating more movement for the seamers. “I think they’re affecting the wickets as well. I think they’re denting more. If they dent the wicket it’s going to seam off the dents as well, it’s going to move more,” he said. England now have the luxury of heading into the final Test with the series already won. For Root, the focus will be on finding his best form with the bat and producing the big score he believes is just around the corner.
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