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As England gear up for their high-voltage Ashes tour of Australia, beginning November 21 in Perth, Joe Root has emerged as one of the central figures around whom England’s hopes revolve. The former captain, who has never scored a Test hundred on Australian soil, exuded confidence while discussing England’s preparations and his evolved approach to batting ahead of the five-Test series.
While England are currently engaged in a white-ball assignment in New Zealand, the cricketing world’s attention has already shifted to the iconic Ashes series — a rivalry steeped in history and pride. For Root, this tour presents another opportunity to conquer the one frontier that has eluded him: scoring big runs in Australia and helping England regain the urn in enemy territory.
Root’s evolved preparation: “More mental than technical”
Reflecting on his approach to the upcoming series, Root explained how his preparation methods have evolved over time. Unlike his early years, where he focused heavily on technical adjustments, the veteran batter now prioritizes the mental and tactical aspects of his game.
“A lot of that prep’s already started back home,” Root said. “How I prepare now is different from how I would have done 10 years ago. It’s a lot more mental. I’ve played against most of their guys and know how they operate and what they’ll bring to the series.”
Root elaborated that earlier in his career, he was meticulous about technique — aligning his feet, head position, and overall stance. But experience has taught him to think more about match scenarios, conditions, and bowlers’ angles.
“Now, I’m more focused on how I look at the game — how to approach different situations, how to manage various angles, and adapt to different surfaces and bowlers. It’s more about mindset and execution under pressure.”
The Bazball effect under McCullum and Stokes
This will be England’s first Ashes tour since Brendon McCullum took charge as head coach in May 2022. Together with captain Ben Stokes, McCullum has redefined England’s Test cricket philosophy with their ultra-aggressive, fearless approach dubbed “Bazball.”
The strategy has yielded stunning results. Since McCullum and Stokes took over, England have transformed from a struggling Test side into one of the most entertaining teams in world cricket. Root, freed from the burdens of captaincy, has thrived under the new system.
In the past three years, he has been England’s batting backbone, amassing 3,654 runs from 41 matches, the most by any player globally during this period. His record includes 14 centuries, 13 fifties, and an average of 58.00 — numbers that underline his consistency and mastery in all conditions.
The Australian challenge: unfinished business
Despite his incredible form, Root’s record in Australia remains one of the few blemishes on his otherwise stellar career. In three previous Ashes tours Down Under, he has averaged 35.68 without a single century — a statistic he’s eager to change.
This time, however, Root believes England have the tools and mentality to turn things around. The combination of Bazball’s attacking mindset and a well-balanced squad gives the visitors a renewed sense of optimism.
“I’m at a completely different stage of my career now,” Root said. “I’m no longer captain, I’m playing some really good cricket, and so are we. We’re playing in an exciting way and have a great group of players who can challenge Australia differently than before. It’s a really exciting prospect.”
Root acknowledged Australia’s dominance at home, particularly against England, but insisted that the challenge itself fuels their motivation.
“Clearly, Australia are very strong in their own conditions, with a great record at home — especially against us. But that’s what makes it exciting, right? There’s an opportunity to do something special, something different, and we’re hungry for that.”
England’s renewed hope under new leadership
The upcoming series marks a new chapter in England’s Test history. Under the Stokes-McCullum regime, the team has shown a fearless intent to dominate games, even against the strongest opponents. Players like Zak Crawley, Harry Brook, and Ben Duckett have flourished with attacking freedom, while seasoned campaigners like Stuart Broad and James Anderson continue to deliver with experience and precision.
Root, now the senior-most batter, has seamlessly transitioned into a mentor role while maintaining his position as the team’s most dependable run-getter. His ability to adapt — both mentally and technically — will be vital if England are to succeed in Australian conditions known for pace, bounce, and relentless hostility.
England’s previous tours Down Under have often been marked by collapses against the likes of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc. This time, however, the team’s aggressive brand of cricket could change that narrative. Root believes that with the right mindset and balance between aggression and discipline, England can challenge Australia’s dominance at home.
Looking ahead
As the countdown to the Ashes begins, Root’s calm confidence sets the tone for England’s campaign. The series, starting November 21 in Perth, will test England’s mettle like never before — but also offers them a chance to make history.
Root’s leadership experience, combined with his form and maturity, could be England’s biggest weapon as they aim to reclaim the Ashes after nearly a decade.
“It’s about embracing the challenge and enjoying the moment,” Root concluded. “We’ve got the players, the mindset, and the belief. Now it’s about going there and doing something really special.”
