England batting ace Joe Root has credited head coach Brendon McCullum for reviving his Test career and reshaping his batting approach. Root admitted that McCullum’s arrival brought a refreshing mindset that helped him rediscover his best form.
From 2017 to 2022, during his captaincy stint, Root’s conversion rate dropped despite scoring 14 centuries in 64 Tests. He averaged 46.44 and amassed 5,295 runs, but England’s performances faltered, with just one win in his final 17 matches as skipper. The challenges of the COVID-19 bio-bubbles only added to the struggles.
McCullum’s Arrival Transforms Root’s Batting
The appointment of McCullum, coupled with Ben Stokes taking over as captain, marked a turning point. Under the ‘Bazball’ approach, Root thrived, smashing 14 centuries in just 41 Tests at a superb average of 58.00, gathering 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.
Focusing on Growth, Not Just Records
With 158 Test matches, 13,543 runs, and 39 centuries to his name, Root remains determined to keep improving. Though he is closing in on Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most Test runs, the milestone isn’t his main motivation.
“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 make sure you don’t stand still and become stale? I also ask myself if I can keep being creative. Finding ways to improve and ensuring the things I’m doing well stay at that level as a bare minimum is vital,” he said.
Root’s next big assignment will be the Ashes 2025 against arch-rivals Australia, beginning November 21, in a series set to test his adaptability once again.
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