Joe Root told his England side to enjoy their return to winning ways against Pakistan – but reminded them to celebrate in a “grown-up way” after a summer of unwanted headlines.
Root returned to the captaincy in the aftermath of Ben Stokes’ shock retirement and back-to-back victories mean England have now won a multi-match series for the first time since December 2024.
England’s new-look four-man pace attack skittled the tourists for 194 at Lord’s, winning by the same number of runs to secure an unassailable 2-0 lead and leave Root savouring the moment.
But, having started the week by demanding an end to the alcohol-related incidents that have followed the side over the past year, he was quick to caution his players that there was no room for over-indulgence.
“It’s important we’re not talking about that, absolutely,” he said.
“It’s hard to win Test matches, hard to win Test series, so enjoy it and celebrate it, but in a sensible, grown-up way.
“When we spoke at start of the week…not around the cricket necessarily…that’s what I said. This is a group of players that’s going to be around the team for a long period of time and both on and off the field they have a real opportunity to influence and shape it.
“The two performances we’ve put forward so far have been a really good step in the right direction. All you can do is take the opportunities as they come to you and the guys have been excellent so far. It’s two brilliant games and a really good start to this new team.”
Optimism is building around the quartet of quicks who have proved too hot for Pakistan, with Ollie Robinson, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue and Gus Atkinson dovetailing perfectly.
Root leaned on the class of James Anderson and Stuart Broad in his first five years as captain and has high hopes for his latest attack.
“(Anderson and Broad) are two of the greatest bowlers we’ve ever had,” he said. “I was blessed to captain them first time around, but the most exciting thing is these guys have the opportunity to create their own legacy.
“I think they’ve all got skills that travel around the world in different conditions. It’s all there for them if they keep working hard and keep performing in the manner they are currently. There’s no reason they can’t write their own chapter in English fast-bowling history.”
For once, Root’s own contribution has been negligible, with just 28 runs across both innings and two more lbws continuing a recent habit of getting trapped in front.
Root was able to take that in his stride, adding: “The reason I’ve got the runs I have, and had the amount of time playing Test cricket, is because I’ve always been quite good at understanding, being level and eventually problem solving.
“I think there has to be a sense of calm and realism about things, but I’ll also continue to work at my game, improving it. I know I’m a good player and I’d like to think there’s a big score around the corner.”
