Former England captain Joe Root has highlighted the importance of consistency in the upcoming five-Test series against India, starting in June 2025. Root acknowledged the significant challenge posed by India, stating, “There’s no hiding place” when facing such a formidable opponent.
India will begin their 2025-27 World Test Championship campaign in England, with the first Test scheduled at Headingley on June 20. This follows their missed opportunity to reach the WTC final in the 2023-25 cycle after their Border-Gavaskar Trophy defeat earlier this year.
“We are good in our own conditions but with India coming over for a five-match series there’s no hiding place. It’s a long old slog, you’ve got to be consistent. You’ve got to put in those match-winning performances time and time again,” Root told Sky Sports.
Root’s Leadership and Performance
The 34-year-old Root, who is approaching the second position among Test cricket’s highest run-getters this year, is preparing for this challenge after a strong performance in the Champions Trophy. During his five-year captaincy, Root led England to 27 victories in 64 Tests, the most wins by any England Test captain.
However, a challenging period in 2021, with only one win in 17 matches and an Ashes defeat in Australia, led to his resignation from captaincy. Despite this, Root remains England’s batting cornerstone, demonstrated by his performance as the fourth-highest run-scorer in the recent Champions Trophy with 225 runs in three innings.
Looking Forward
Reflecting on England’s disappointing Champions Trophy campaign, Root said: “The Champions Trophy was disappointing. We didn’t play anywhere near what we’re capable of but there’s so much talent and so much more to come from that team.”
Root has ruled out returning to white-ball captaincy following Jos Buttler’s resignation, stating: “I think that ship has sailed. I’ve done my time as a captain in England but I’m sure whoever gets the opportunity to do it will be extremely proud and do a brilliant job.”
Instead, Root is focusing on the upcoming challenges against India and the Ashes later this year: “These are the years you play for. Two of the biggest teams, two of the biggest series you can play in as an England player. It’s something the team is relishing.”
its good.