Joe Root has made a passionate plea for English cricket to maintain its current course following the Ashes series defeat in Australia, staunchly defending the team's leadership.
Root's Call for Continuity After Series Loss
The former captain's comments came after England's dramatic four-wicket victory in the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. That win prevented a potential 5-0 whitewash, a fate England has suffered twice in their last six tours down under. The result also alleviated some pressure on managing director Rob Key and head coach Brendon McCullum, who both conceded they had not adequately prepared the squad for the first Test in Perth.
Despite ending an 18-match winless streak in Australia, the joy for travelling fans was tempered by the reality of another lost Ashes series, now standing at 3-1. Root, who featured in 17 of those 18 matches without a win, was emphatic that this is not the time for upheaval.
"It feels weird," Root admitted. "It's disappointing that we've lost the series, but it's really important that we managed to get the right side of the result here, and it's something to build on."
He was unequivocal in his support for the regime, stating: "In terms of the playing group, we're absolutely committed to the management. They've been outstanding. Every single player from when I was captain has improved. This team has improved."
Defending the 'Bazball' Era Despite Results
Root argued it "would be silly" to change direction now, even though the much-discussed 'Bazball' era has yet to yield a series victory against the top two Test nations. In four series against Australia and India under the new approach, England have recorded two draws and two defeats. They currently sit seventh in the World Test Championship, although they are ranked third by the ICC.
"Yes, we can be better and there are certain areas we'll continue to keep working at," Root acknowledged. "But I think we've made great strides as a group and a big reason for it is because of the guys we have behind us."
MCG Curator in 'State of Shock' Over Two-Day Test
The backdrop to Root's defence was an extraordinary match in Melbourne, which became the city's first two-day Test in 95 years. MCG curator Matt Page expressed his dismay at the rapid conclusion.
"I've never been involved in a Test match like it, and hopefully I'm not involved in a Test match like it again," Page said. "I was in a state of shock after the first day. We're obviously disappointed it's gone two days. We produced a Test that was captivating, but it hasn't gone long enough."
He promised a review, adding: "We know this hasn't gone as we planned. We will look at what we need to do to improve... We'll learn from that and make sure we get it right next year."
England captain Ben Stokes confirmed he would lodge his disappointment about the pitch condition with match referee Jeff Crowe. When asked if the surface was excessively favourable to bowlers, Root offered a diplomatic but telling response: "That's a question for someone else, but I wouldn't want to bat on it every week – put it that way."
