Star batter Joe Root says coach Brendon McCullum’s cricketing philosophy matches up very well with the skill set of English players, thus opening up the possibilities for the side. Root is back in England’s ODI setup for a three-match series against India, commencing Thursday.
Interestingly, Root had embarked on his last ODI on the Indian soil only, in November 2023, when he had a World Cup match with Pakistan at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, making a contribution of 60 runs off 72 balls.
Root, who has witnessed the success of McCullum’s ‘Bazball’ approach that has benefited the England team substantially, said he is someone who knows from experience about what the Kiwi brings to the teams he coaches in England: “The way he looks at the game fits very nicely in with how the team sets up, and the squad sets up like the skill sets that we do have; it’s a really interesting mix. When you put that together, the sky’s the limit for this team, and or this squad,” Root said in a video posted by England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
Root said he is happy to be back in the ODI setup.
“There are many special things they are capable of. By playing with each other more and more and getting a deeper understanding of each other and buying into how we want to do things for a longer period of time, I’m sure, we’re going to start seeing success at some point. It’s a really exciting time to be involved in the white ball team, and hopefully that will come across on the field really soon.”
Root said that McCullum never really specified to him what his role in the squad would be but, being the senior player, he knows what he must do.
“I’m just looking forward to getting my teeth into it, to be honest. The more you play, the more experience you have, the more you’ve got to give as well, which is exciting when you’re working with some of the talented young batters in the squad, sharing some experiences with them.
“That’s one of the most exciting things, watching their journey as well and being sort of a part of that.”
England captain Jos Buttler has already accepted that the role of Root in the ODI series against India, as well as the Champions Trophy, will be vital.
Barring a couple of minor setbacks, Root is on the order of his 171st ODI. Recently, he tasted a great run in SA20 with Paarl Royals, where he began to show glimpses of his best form.
