Srinagar: England star batter Joe Root has set his eyes on the five match Test series vs India at home and has said that there are no room for lapses when you playing against India.
“We are strong at home, but when you’re up against India in a five-match series, there’s no room for lapses. It’s a long grind, and you need to deliver match-winning performances repeatedly,” Root told Sky Sports.
Root who is closing in on second place in the list of all-time Test run-getters, is heading into the series with renewed focus following an individually impressive Champions Trophy campaign. Root was among the consistent performers for England, amassing 225 runs in three innings; however, England’s campaign ended in disappointment, with the side failing to register a single win and bowing out in the group stage.
“The Champions Trophy was frustrating because we fell well short of our potential. There’s an incredible amount of talent in this team, and it’s time for us to reset and find our best game again. We’ve done it before—between 2015 and 2019, we transformed into a world-class unit. That’s the level we need to reach again,” Root asserted.
Joe Root has led England in the past, but he ruled out the possibility of returning to leadership role.
“That ship has sailed for me. I’ve done my time as England captain, and I have no intention of returning to the role. But I know that whoever takes over will be immensely proud and will do a fantastic job,” Root added.
“These are the moments you play for. As an England cricketer, facing India and Australia in back-to-back marquee series is as big as it gets. We’re relishing the challenge.”