Joe Root has played down concerns over his indifferent batting form this English summer, insisting his experience and record give him confidence that he will find a way through the difficult patch as he continues his pursuit of Sachin Tendulkar’s record Test run tally.Root, who is chasing Tendulkar’s record of 15,921 Test runs, has crossed 50 only twice this home summer and is averaging 29.44. It is his second-lowest home season average since making his international debut 14 years ago.The 35-year-old has also been dismissed LBW nine times in his last seven Tests, including seven times this summer. Root, however, believes the conditions have made batting unusually difficult across the board.
Root points to testing conditions
“I’ve played this game a long time and I’ve always found ways of solving those problems and working it through,” Root told the BBC after the Lord’s Test against Pakistan.“I don’t see this as being any different. There’s a reason why I’ve got 14,000 runs (14,208) and a reason why I’ve played the best part of 15 years at this level.“Of course it’s frustrating that there’s sort of a trend. There are probably four umpires’ calls within that, which could have gone the other way, and the ball is probably deviating more than it ever has.”Root also pointed towards the Dukes ball as one possible reason for the unusually testing conditions faced by batters this summer. He suggested there had been a noticeable difference from last season, when England and India pushed for ball changes multiple times during their series.“The balls have been different this summer,” he said. “I think there is a different lacquer. They were worried about it going out of shape. They are denting surfaces more.”Despite his lean run, Root remains confident that he can find a solution.“You try and be realistic and understand where everything’s at, but also be aware of what you need to do to keep improving and keep getting better. I’m pretty sure I’ll get through the other side. I’m not too concerned about that.”
‘You’re never given anything in this game’
Root’s pursuit of Tendulkar’s record has brought his run-scoring under greater scrutiny, but the England batter used his current struggles to underline just how difficult sustained success in Test cricket can be.“You’re never given anything in this game,” said Root. “You have to work for everything. You have to keep working hard and I’ll certainly keep doing that.“You’re constantly going to get challenged and you’re constantly going to have to look to evolve and learn, but that’s never been something I’ve shied away from and I certainly won’t be doing moving forward.”Root’s batting struggles have not prevented England from making a strong start to his second stint as captain. England beat Pakistan by 194 runs at Lord’s to seal the series, giving Root two wins from two Tests since returning to the leadership role and England their first Test series win since 2024.
