England skipper Joe Root says a clear sweep against the highest two sides in Test cricket – India and New Zealand – would be the greatest preparation for the long-lasting Ashes sequence against arch rivals Australia later this yr. Before heading to Australia for the Ashes within the winter, England play seven Tests at dwelling against New Zealand and India this summer season.
They will tackle the Blackcaps for a two-match red-ball sequence, beginning Wednesday after which conflict with India in a five-Tests sequence throughout August and September. “There are going to be constant conversations about Australia throughout this whole summer, there is no getting away from that,” Root informed reporters on Tuesday (June 1), forward of the series-opener.
“We have said for a long time now that we are planning towards that series and as an English fan, an English player, it is such an iconic series. It is of utmost importance, absolutely. But the way we are best going to prepare ourselves is by performing well in these seven Tests, by winning seven Test matches against the best two sides in the world,” he added.
New Zealand and India are slated to tackle one another within the inaugural World Test Championship closing scheduled to be held in Southampton from June 18-22. Although planning to regain the Ashes will stay behind the thoughts, Root stated the total focus might be to have profitable summer season.
“Planning for Australia is something in the background, it’s something we are very aware of and consistently talk about. But that won’t be in our thoughts when we are out there this summer. You couldn’t be asking for two better opponents right now – to take on the best is what sport is all about and every Test means a hell of a lot to our players and to me. These Tests are our full focus.”
(with company inputs)
