Joe Root has asked the England players to enjoy their Test series triumph over Pakistan without letting the celebrations spill into unnecessary controversy.
The new England Test captain said ahead of the second Test that he was “hacked off” by fast bowler Brydon Carse’s handcuff incident in Derby after a county game and his subsequent removal from the squad.
“It’s important we’re not talking about it, absolutely,” Root said during the postmatch media interaction at Lord’s. “But it’s hard to win Test matches, it’s hard to win Test series, so enjoy it and celebrate it, but in a sensible, grown-up way.
“It’s been a really good start to, I don’t know what you want to call it, this new team.”
His call for “sensible” celebrations also came after England were involved in offfield controversies post their Test victory against New Zealand recently.
Pacer Josh Tongue earlier acknowledged that Root’s message was clear about his priorities.
“It was a chat that was needed, a very good chat from Rooty. He was very clear on the message of what it is like to be an England cricketer. We’re very privileged to put on that England shirt and we want to show kids growing up how good it is to play for England in front of thousands of people. He was honest with us all in the changing room. He said it straight. As soon as that chat was finished, our focus was fully on these next five days.” Tongue told .
Root, though, has a personal problem to contend with. He has endured an unusually difficult summer and is averaging 29.44 across nine innings, significantly below his career average of 50.38.
Root, though, insisted he was not overly concerned and believes he can work his way through the problem.
“I’ve always been quite good at understanding and eventually problem-solving,” he said. “I’ll continue to keep working hard. I might have been lbw a few times, but lots of those have been umpire’s call.
“We’ve also seen the ball move more than it ever has. So there has to be a sense of calm and realism around things. I know I’m a good player, and I’d like to think there’s a big score around the corner.”