Joe Root has thrown his full support behind captain Harry Brook and head coach Brendon McCullum following England’s morale-boosting victory in Sri Lanka. The win, secured by five wickets on Saturday, marked a significant end to the team’s prolonged losing streak in away One-Day Internationals.
Root, whose composed innings of 75 anchored the successful chase, was quick to defend the leadership duo, both of whom have faced recent scrutiny. Brook, in his first overseas ODI win as skipper, had previously apologised for an off-field incident earlier in the winter.
“Harry has held his hands up, accepted the consequences, and his sole focus now is driving this team forward,” Root stated. “I have every confidence he will develop into an outstanding captain. He’s a phenomenal talent and I’m fully behind him as he learns and grows from this experience.”
The veteran batsman was equally effusive in his praise for the coaching staff, singling out McCullum’s transformative impact. “Brendon is among the very best I’ve worked with. My own game, and I believe most players in the squad, has improved dramatically under his guidance. Alongside Jeetan Patel and Marcus Trescothick, they have done tremendous work for English cricket and there is much more to come.”
The victory provides a welcome respite after a difficult period, including the recent Ashes defeat in Australia. Root admitted the team was disappointed with that result but urged perspective.
“We’re obviously not happy with how things went in Australia, but I still believe this is a very exciting group with a bright future,” he said. “Personally, I’m still loving my cricket in this environment. I plan to take proper time after this tour to reflect on everything calmly, rather than reacting emotionally now.”
The result in Colombo offers a foundation for Brook’s nascent captaincy and a positive step as England look to rebuild their white-ball fortunes on the road.