Joe Root Anticipates Thrilling Test Series Against India
Joe Root Prepares for a Busy Year in Test Cricket
As England's star batsman Joe Root gears up for an exciting year of Test cricket, he is set to face India in a home series followed by an away Ashes series in Australia. Root described the upcoming opportunities as 'epic' and acknowledged that India has a well-rounded team.
The first significant challenge for Root will be the five-match Test series against India, commencing this Friday in Leeds. Following this, he will participate in the Ashes series in Australia starting in late November, aiming to secure England's first away series victory against their rivals since the 2010-11 season.
Currently ranked fifth among Test cricket's highest run-scorers with 13,006 runs, Root is on a quest to surpass Sachin Tendulkar's all-time record of 15,921 runs.
Root Expresses Enthusiasm for the India Test Series
In an interview with Sky Sports prior to the first Test, Root expressed his excitement, stating, 'You can only be excited. These are the series you play for. The opportunities in front of us are epic.'
He acknowledged the looming Ashes series, noting that while it will be a topic of discussion, the focus must remain on performing against a formidable Indian team.
Root praised India's development across all formats, highlighting their strong seam and spin attacks, as well as their talented batting lineup. He remarked, 'They are going to compete anywhere in the world, but our record at home makes for a fantastic series. We will go into it with confidence but also with a huge amount of respect for what they will bring.'
Joe Root's Impressive Test Record Against India
In his 30 Tests against India, Root has accumulated 2,846 runs at an impressive average of 58.08, including 10 centuries and 11 fifties, with a top score of 218. His performance at home is particularly noteworthy, boasting an average of 74.95 with 1,574 runs in 15 Tests, featuring seven centuries and five fifties, with a best score of 180*.
Conversely, his record against Australia is less stellar, with 2,428 runs in 34 Tests at an average of 40.46, which includes four centuries and 18 fifties. In 14 Tests played in Australia, his average drops to 35.68, with 890 runs in 27 innings, including nine fifties but no centuries.
Reflections on His Journey with England
Reflecting on his 13-year journey with the England team, Root expressed his desire to enjoy the game without the pressure of achieving an away Ashes century. He reminisced about the joy of playing cricket as a child, recalling the excitement of hoping for good weather to play.
'I think how lucky I am to play for England. You play at amazing venues around the world, experiencing different cultures and everything else the sport has to offer - friendships, opportunities,' he shared.
'Trying to keep a broad mind on those things is more of a motivator than trying to plan too far ahead. Soak in and enjoy the good times,' he concluded.