Root argues England have improved since the start of the summer despite 3-0 defeat by Pakistan

Joe Root says England’s squad is in a stronger position now than it was at the beginning of a difficult summer, following an eight-wicket triumph in the third Test against Pakistan at Edgbaston that sealed a 3-0 series result. The England captain made the remarks after the conclusion of the match.

Root hit 62 not out and Jordan Cox ended unbeaten on 59 as England survived a scare to beat Pakistan by eight wickets. The win capped a summer that began with the shock retirement of Ben Stokes, the sacking of Test coach Brendon McCullum and various off-field incidents.

The Summer’s Losses

After the series loss to New Zealand in July, Stokes stepped down as captain. His exit came at the end of a period when his future was being questioned, following last winter’s Ashes defeat by Australia, during which he had been backed to stay in charge alongside McCullum.

Root stepped back into the captain’s role on a permanent basis for a second time, taking over soon after McCullum was removed from his position. He first regained the job for the second Test against New Zealand in June, having been left out after breaking a team curfew.

Players Stepping Up

Lawrence replaced Stokes in the side and has impressed throughout the series, while Cox has also been a standout performer, along with the four-man pace attack.

On Friday in Birmingham, the pace attack had difficulty getting through against the Pakistan lower order, yet the general impression has remained encouraging.

Handling Chaos

The turmoil off the field has been considerable, and it began with the departure of Stokes, which altered the composition of the entire team. Root, who led England in Tests from 2017 to 2022, now provides a steady hand at the helm.

A side long doubted for their professionalism has lately shown greater maturity and adaptability. Before the second Test, bowler Brydon Carse was involved in an incident outside a nightclub in Derby, which cast a shadow over the build-up to the match.

The Goal Met

England wanted 3-0 from the start. They got it.

What Root Says About the Team

The work Root sees as most significant comes from the team’s development away from play. He remains hesitant to call the effort finished.

The key elements of Root’s assessment:

• The team’s culture is a constant work in progress
• The group has handled chaos with maturity
• The players understand what is expected of them on and off the field
• Commitment to the process will earn trust and respect

Vaughan’s Perspective

Michael Vaughan, who once led England as captain, concurred that the current team is a “work in progress”.

“We can’t judge this England team against Pakistan,” he said. “Let’s not get too excited but what you see is a huge amount of talent.”

“You have Jordan Cox looking so calm, England’s greatest [Root] at number four, Harry Brook a generational talent, Dan Lawrence has fitted in lovely and Jamie Smith, whose keeping has been brilliant and batting has looked good.”

“The bowling attack has everything.”

“But they have not won a five-Test series since 2017. That is what you get judged on.”

Comparing the Two Captains

Vaughan pointed to the difference between the quality on show and the results that follow. He noted that England have plenty of ability throughout their team, yet the five-Test format has proven hard for them to master.

Root’s assessment rests on the team’s ability to handle chaos with maturity rather than any single victory. That is the measure of the summer, and the measure of where the team stands now.

The evidence of their progress sits in the path they took to get here. England find themselves in a stronger position now than they did at the start of the summer.

Dan Lawrence · England cricket · Joe Root · Jordan Cox · Pakistan Test series