England’s captain Joe Root (AP Photo)
England wrapped up a 2-0 lead in the three-match series with a 194-run victory at Lord’s, securing their first multi-match Test series win since 2024.
“It’s important we’re not talking about, absolutely,” Root said during the post-match media interaction at Lord’s. “I think they’ve been very different this year,” Root said. With one game still to play, Root acknowledged the achievement but urged his teammates to celebrate responsibly. “But it’s hard to win Test matches, it’s hard to win Test series, so enjoy it and celebrate it, but in a sensible, grown-up way. “We’ve also seen the ball move more than it ever has. So there has to be a sense of calm and realism around things. I know I’m a good player, and I’d like to think there’s a big score around the corner. “I think there’s a different lacquer to them. I don’t know, I’ve not got evidence on that – you probably need to ask Dukes – but I think there’s lacquer on the seam.
“I’ve always been quite good at understanding and eventually problem-solving,” he said. “It’s been a really good start to, I don’t know what you want to call it, this new team. Root’s comments came as England celebrated another dominant performance against Pakistan. The victory gave them an unassailable advantage in the series, but the former captain was keen to ensure the focus remained on what the team had achieved on the field. “I’ll continue to keep working hard. I might have been lbw a few times, but lots of those have been umpire’s call – if they go the other way it might not be as much of a talking point.