England’s star batter Joe Root has opened up on how head coach Brendon McCullum transformed his Test career. Root said McCullum’s arrival brought a fresh outlook that reignited his batting form and changed his approach.
During Root’s captaincy from 2017 to 2022, his centuries became less frequent despite scoring 14 tons in 64 Tests at an average of 46.44, amassing 5,295 runs. England struggles were evident, with only one victory in his final 17 Tests as skipper amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Brendon McCullum’s Impact and the Rise of Bazball
McCullum’s appointment and the introduction of ‘Bazball’, along with Ben Stokes as captain, sparked a revival. In just 41 matches under McCullum, Root scored 14 centuries at a superior average of 58.00, collecting 3,654 runs.
“Having worked with Baz has changed the way that I look at the game. I’ve got less technical, I’ve become more about trying to manage the game better and find ways of problem-solving. It’s been very refreshing to have someone with a very different way of looking at things come and add a huge amount to my game. He’s been brilliant,” Root told ESPNcricinfo.
Root Focused on Evolution Over Records
Root, with 158 Test appearances, 13,543 runs, and 39 centuries, remains committed to evolving. Despite closing in on Sachin Tendulkar’s record for most Test runs, he is more focused on growth than milestones.
“As a player, more of the motivation is can you keep evolving. Can you keep finding ways of staying ahead of your opposition? Is it possible to ensure you don’t stand still and become stale? I also wonder if I can keep being creative. Finding ways to improve and making sure the things I’m doing well remain at that level as a bare minimum is essential,” he added.
Root’s next challenge will be the Ashes 2025 against Australia, starting November 21, in what promises to be another high-pressure chapter in his illustrious career.
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