England Test captain Joe Root is currently out of form with the bat especially in the longest format of the game ever since he took the charge of the national side in 2017.

The right-hander averaged only 27.4 in 10 Tests in 2019, while averaging 39.70 since taking the charge as England’s Test captain in 2017 that was previously 52.80. His scores suggest that he is struggling to juggle the twin demands of leading the side and consistent performances.

However, the 28-year-old insisted that his captaincy isn’t the reason behind his batting woes but England’s defeat by an innings and 65 runs in the first Test against England put him under extra pressure both as captain and batman.

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Ahead of the final Test in Hamilton on Friday (November 29), Root insisted that he is under no illusions about his batting slump despite terrible year while saying he will find his form in the final Test against the Black Caps.

Root told British media in Hamilton on Thursday, “I’m not far away. I played two horrendous shots in the last game (but) the fact I’m getting myself out, you can deal with that.”

The Englishman signed off by saying, “I’m moving well, hitting the ball well. I’ve just got to keep that mentality ... get my feet moving, stay busy, and go about my business as I have for four or five years. I’ve got to trust that that’s going to come.”

(With Reuters Inputs)