England captain Joe Root shrugs off concerns over lbw run after Pakistan Test series win

Published
0
England captain Joe Root in action during a Test match against Pakistan at Lord's Cricket Ground in London, Britain on August 30, 2026. — Reuters/ File
England captain Joe Root in action during a Test match against Pakistan at Lord's Cricket Ground in London, Britain on August 30, 2026. — Reuters/ File

England captain Joe Root is confident of working his way through a dip in form that has seen him trapped lbw nine times in his last 12 innings, and says his record of more than 14,000 Test runs proves he knows how to navigate difficult spells.

England’s leading Test run-scorer with 14,208 runs, second only to India’s Sachin Tendulkar (15,921) on the all-time list, 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 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 win over Pakistan at Lord’s where he managed scores of four and 24 before being out lbw in both innings.

The build-up to the second Test was overshadowed by the controversy surrounding fast bowler Brydon Carse, who was dropped from the squad following an incident outside a nightclub in Derby.

Root said he had addressed the issue with his players and stressed the need for the squad to celebrate successes 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.

Opinion

Editorial

Lagging behind
Updated 15 Oct, 2026

Lagging behind

The immediate task is to contain inflation and protect vulnerable households without reviving unsustainable subsidies or excessive demand.
India voter purge
Updated 15 Oct, 2026

India voter purge

Earlier, the BJP and its Hindutva cohorts could get away with trampling the rights of Indian Muslims, but now their shenanigans are not working.
Multan derailment
15 Oct, 2026

Multan derailment

IN numerous states, including many of Pakistan’s neighbours, rail transport is a safe and affordable mode of...
Narrative confusion
Updated 14 Oct, 2026

Narrative confusion

The centre must say clearly how long it intends it to last, what it hopes to achieve in that time, and how the province’s elected mandate will be restored.
El Niño’s long reach
14 Oct, 2026

El Niño’s long reach

THE extraordinary El Niño gathering strength in the Pacific could make 2026 the hottest year on record, with 2027...
Deeper poverty
Updated 14 Oct, 2026

Deeper poverty

PAKISTAN’S poverty crisis is far deeper than official indicators suggest. While the government celebrates economic...