England had to endure a horrific Ashes defeat late last year and things got worse as they lost to Sri Lanka at home in a short two-Test series.
Even against India, they stumbled in the first two Tests and trailed 1-0. Only in the last three matches have England performed consistently in all three disciplines.
But throughout all that, there has been one player who has quietly gone about his business. Joe Root has been one of the big positives to emerge for England from a tough season. And with a comprehensive series win against India completed, England can truly appreciate his efforts over the last 10 months.
Though England were blown away by the pace of Mitchell Johnson in the Ashes Down Under, Root did a decent job of holding his end up. Scores of 26*, 15, 87, 19, 24 and 15 are not extraordinary but he did get starts and didn’t look out of his depth.
Then against Sri Lanka, he scored an unbeaten double ton that set up a thrilling finish which England almost won off the last ball.
Once again, Root stepped up to the plate, starting off with an unbeaten century at Nottingham and finishing the series with another commanding ton.
England will rightly be pleased with their performances against India, which improved by each passing Test.
It’s not that all their troubles have suddenly vanished but they will have a lot more belief in their squad from now on. And Root needs to be commended for showing great resolve in the most testing of times.
Let’s not forget, this is the same Joe Root who was embroiled in a bar room fight with Australia opener David Warner. Though it was the Aussie who ended up being punished, Root didn’t cover himself in glory either and there was a question mark over his temperament.
The way he has moved on from that unsavoury incident and established himself in the England middle order is impressive and don’t forget he is barely 23 years old. The maturity he has shown at such a young age will stand him in good stead over the coming years and even if there is a dip in form, as every international player is bound to suffer, Root seems well equipped to battle his way out of it.
One aspect of his game that was not on show in the series against India, but is worth looking into, is his bowling. Root bowls respectable off spin and can develop into a handy spinner, on the lines of what Moeen Ali did with aplomb.
Cook’s captaincy seems secure for now but there is no guarantee what the next series might entail for him as he still looks circumspect at the crease.
England will therefore be well advised to start grooming Root for a future leadership role. He is young and has much to learn but he has shown that he has the ability to perform when the chips are down and is more than ready for a scrap, even if that puts him in a difficult spot. And that is just what you want from a professional athlete.
