Joe Root praises England's display of character in 'really pleasing' comeback win over Pakistan

Safraz Ahmed and Root shared the silverware at the end of the two-match series
AFP/Getty Images
Will Macpherson3 June 2018

Joe Root hailed the character of his England team after they levelled the series against Pakistan by winning the second Test at Headingley by an innings and 55 runs.

A week ago Root’s side were humbled in a dismal showing at Lord’s that extended their winless run to eight games. But they responded superbly at Headingley to square the two-match series, starting well and never looking back. They face India later in August after a block of white-ball cricket, and Root believes they have shown that they can win that series and continue progressing beyond.

“It was a very tough week last week for the group,” said Root. “We had to show a lot of character. I asked a lot of things of them, and everything I asked was delivered out on the field… a really pleasing all-round performance. Ultimately, you can't ask for more as a captain.

“You've seen what the potential is, and that's going to be the challenge now – to harness that. Moving forward, it's very important we don't paper over the cracks and think this is going to be us (sorted) forever – we have to make sure we don't find ourselves in those positions like last week.

“We have to learn the lessons as quickly as we have this week and adapt just as we have. If we can do all that, you will see more consistency from this group. The talent is never questioned - and as you've seen throughout these three days, there's plenty there in the skill levels.

Root said that the criticism levelled at England – particularly their senior players, particularly by Michael Vaughan – helped motivate them. Stuart Broad spoke about against Vaughan on Friday evening, and the pair have been feuding.

“I asked the guys to play with pride and passion and you saw that on the field,” he said. “I think there is an element of that that comes out through criticism. You want to prove people wrong and you have to have that within you to play at this level.”

England coach Bayliss has been the subject of criticism
PA

Root also said calls for the head of Trevor Bayliss, in Test cricket at least, had been revealed as premature, and that he played a crucial role in the turnaround.

“Trevor is the easy target when the side is losing,” he said. “It would have been very easy for the whole group to get tense and have a negative feel around but Trevor's experience pulled through. You saw it on the field, the energy the guys had. The confidence after that great start was there all week and that is a big thing for the team moving forward.”

The winless run, Root said, had taught him much about captaincy and the game.

“I've learnt a huge amount over the last eight games about myself and the group. There has been good stuff we've seen within the dressing-room and it is important we take that forward. There is a huge amount of hard work. We know we're not the finished article, this is the first step towards our goal. It is a pleasing week and I'm thrilled to bits.”

​Bayliss admitted that England had questioned themselves after the nine-wicket defeat at Lord’s, which was followed by “a good, frank discussion”. He hopes to use that defeat as a reminder for players in future; they have been prone to wild fluctuations in form from one Test to the next.

“Every time we lose you think like that,” he said. “You are reviewing what you do, how you do it. It’s a constant review.

“It’s about how we can put in that type of performance more often. It might be a case of having to remind the guys what it’s like to be embarrassed in one game if we don’t keep focused.

“We played well, but we’ve still got a few things to work on. Wouldn’t say it was by any means our most perfect game but it was a step in the right direction.”

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