Last Updated on 24 seconds ago by Charbel Coorey
Joe Root has dismissed worries about his recent batting form, saying his vast experience gives him the confidence he can come through the shaky patch.
The England skipper has scored just two fifties in the home summer at an average of 29.44. This is his second worst home-season average since making his Test debut nearly 14 years ago. His recent run includes nine LBW dismissals in his last 12 innings, with seven of those coming this summer.
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Root has faith he will overcome his LBW issue and return to form
Root said the tough conditions in England have impacted batting and feels there are a number of reasons for his recent dismissals. Speaking to the BBC after England’s win over Pakistan at Lord’s, he said “I’ve played this game for a long time and I’ve always found ways of solving those problems and working it through. There’s a reason I’ve got 14,000 runs and there’s a reason I’ve played the best part of 15 years at this level. Of course it’s frustrating, there’s a kind of trend.
“There are probably four umpire calls in there that could have gone the other way, and the ball is probably moving more than it has ever done. You try and be realistic and understand where everything’s at but also be aware of what you need to do to keep improving and keep getting better. I’m pretty sure I’ll make it through the other side. I’m not too concerned about that,” Root said.
Root is also trying to break Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 15,921 Test runs. The England batter remains convinced that runs in Test cricket are always hard-earned, despite his struggles at the moment.
“Nothing comes easy in this game,” said Root. “You have to earn everything, You’re always going to be challenged and you’re always going to have to look to evolve and learn, but that’s never been something I’ve backed away from, and I certainly won’t be moving forward. You’ve got to keep working hard and I’ll certainly keep doing that.
The 35-year-old also pointed to the Dukes ball as one possible explanation for tough batting conditions this summer. Root says he thinks the ball is different compared to last season.
“The balls have been different this summer,” he said. “I think there is lacquer. They were concerned that the balls would lose their shape. They are pushing on surfaces more.”
While Root has not been a heavy scorer with the bat, his return to the England captaincy is off to a good start. England have won both their Tests since he took over full time, completing a 194-run win over Pakistan at Lord’s to seal the series. It was also England’s first Test series win since 2024.
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