England captain Joe Root has dismissed concerns over a recent run of low scores, saying his experience and record of more than 14,000 Test runs give him confidence he can work through the difficult period.
Root, England’s leading Test run-scorer with 14,208 runs, has been dismissed lbw nine times in his last 12 innings and has passed 50 only twice during the home summer.
“I’ve played this game a long time and I’ve always found ways of solving those problems and working it through,” the 35-year-old told the BBC on Sunday.
“I don’t see this as being any different. There’s a reason why I’ve got 14,000 runs and a reason why I’ve played the best part of 15 years at this level.”
Root’s comments came after England secured a home Test series victory over Pakistan at Lord’s. He scored four and 24 in the match, being dismissed lbw in both innings.
The build-up to the second Test was overshadowed by controversy involving fast bowler Brydon Carse, who was dropped from the squad following an incident outside a nightclub in Derby.
Root said he had spoken to the players about the matter and stressed the importance of celebrating victories responsibly.
“It’s hard to win Test matches, it’s hard to win Test series. Enjoy it and celebrate it, but in a sensible and grown-up way,” he said.
