After recording a thumping victory in the second Test against India at Lord’s, England skipper Joe Root has issued warning for Virat Kohli and company, saying that they would be ruthless in the remaining three Tests to complete a 5-0 whitewash.
“That would be the dream, to put in five complete performances and have five wins,” Root told reporters after thrashing India by an innings and 159 runs in the second Test at Lord’s on Sunday.
The England captain, however, cautioned his troops to not get complacent or look too far ahead.
“But it’s important we don’t get complacent, arrogant, or look too far ahead. We’re playing against the No 1 side with some very talented players, and we have to make sure we keep looking to learn and develop,” Root remarked.
“We’re not the finished article – we’ve got a long way to go to where we want to get to. It’s a great position to be in, 2-0 up with three to go, going into Nottingham, which is a great place for us to play,” he added.
Before the India Test series, England had lost the Ashes series in Australia 4-0 and followed it with a 1-0 defeat in two Tests in New Zealand. Moreover, England had 4-0 in a five-Test series when they toured India last time in England.
“Yes, it (travelling) can be tough, and it has been for us previously. So, we’ve got to make sure we’re doing everything we can to continue these performances and keep making it very difficult for India. That comes with a lot of hard work and a ruthless streak within us,” Root asserted.
Earlier this summer, there were suggestions that veteran pacers James Anderson and Stuart Broad would be rested if England takes an unassailable lead in the series.
When asked if they would like to rest Anderson and Broad at some stage, Root said: “That’s something we will have to manage and have to take into account the workloads over the next three games.”
“But when they’re performing as they are, and making the game shorter, it makes it a lot easier for them to be fit and be ready to play in the next game. We’ll have to be quite smart with that – we don’t want them injured for long periods of time,” he explained.
Root also denied the talks that the visitors didn’t put any fight at Lord’s.
“I don’t see any lack of fight, or lack of trying. India are doing everything they can, but from my perspective, I’m so pleased we’re bowling as well as we are. That’s what’s been the difference,” The England captain opined.
“We haven’t played the perfect performance yet, and that’s something we’ve got to keep striving regardless of what team India have at Trent Bridge,” he concluded.
