Joe Root insists ‘nothing has changed’ when it comes to England’s approach against South Africa despite their heavy defeat at Lord’s.
In fact Root is planning on doubling down and taking the game to South Africa with more intent just as his coach and captain have asked for. Root might be the best batsman in the world right now, but even he accepts that there is room for him to find more of the method that worked so well in the first four Tests of the summer.
And on a ground where England have lost just once in 20 years, they are confident of turning the tables on the visitors at the next opportunity.
“Even though the result didn't necessarily go how we wanted it to and we didn't play as well as we could, that doesn't change anything,” said Root.
“That's been made very clear to the group. If anything it's an opportunity for us to come out and play with more intent, more like we did at the start of the year. It's just another opportunity to get back to how well we were playing in those first four Test matches.
“I personally just try and look at things for what they are. You are going to make mistakes at times, play the odd bad shot. Things won't always go in your favour but you come into the game trusting the work you've done. Not much will change from that perspective. It's about really committing to how we want to go about things and having full trust and belief in it.
“It is another chance to win a game of cricket. A new venue, new conditions and more than anything a new environment to express ourselves and show everyone how we want to play the game.”
Skipper Ben Stokes has been adamant about how he wants his team to play from the moment he took on the job and where he leads, his team generally follows. On Monday night the Test squad followed him to a screening on his new documentary film that is released on Friday and they got to see more than ever.
Stokes bared his soul on screen as he opened up about his panic attacks, his mental health struggles, the professional help he sought and the medication he is on to help him deal with it all. At his lowest point Stokes didn’t even want to play cricket anymore, but he found a way back and has been able to enjoy more success on the field, much to Root’s glee.
“I think the film is exactly what you've come to see from Ben as a leader,” said Root. “How honest he is, what he expects of everyone else is stuff he would be willing to do himself. I think it shows great courage, great bravery to come out and speak openly about that stuff and some of the struggles he has personally been through.
“We were all there with him going through it, it's not easy to see a close friend and team-mate like that but look at him now. I think with any of your mates you want to get around them, make sure you do what you can to help. That goes within the dressing room environment and away from the game as well. It's great to have him leading this team and making Test cricket so enjoyable to play and to watch.”
