Joe Root is confident that England can finally break their decade-long Ashes drought during their upcoming tour of Australia.
Since their last Ashes victory in 2015, England has struggled, with their last Test series win in Australia dating back to 2010-11.
In the most recent series held in 2023, England managed a 2-2 draw against Australia on home soil, but their previous three tours to Australia resulted in heavy defeats of 4-0, 4-0, and 5-0.
A Long Wait for Victory ‘It does feel like a long time’
Despite the challenges faced in Australia, Root believes that Ben Stokes' team is poised for success against their long-time rivals.
Root expressed, "It does feel like a long time, and it'd be nice to correct that and bring the urn home. I see this as a fantastic opportunity for the group."
He added, "Australia is a beautiful country and a wonderful place to play cricket. We should embrace the experience and be prepared for some 'banter' from the crowd. If we perform well, it could be a memorable six weeks."
Root has yet to win a match in Australia after 14 attempts and is still seeking his first century in the country, despite having 39 career hundreds.
Facing Sledging and Record Challenges Unfazed by His Record or Sledging Ahead of Ashes Series
Australian commentators have pointed out Root's past struggles in the Ashes, setting the stage for potential sledging from fans when the series kicks off in Perth on November 21.
Root remarked, "Ultimately, this tour isn't about me. People will say what they want, so there's no point in worrying about it."
He continued, "In five years, no one will remember what was said by Matthew Hayden or Greg Blewett. If I can score runs, it gives us a great chance to win the series in Australia, and that's what matters most."
Concerns Over Captain Fitness Fitness Concerns Over Stokes and Cummins
The fitness of both captains has been a significant topic of discussion.
Reports indicate that Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, may miss the first Test and possibly the entire series due to a back injury sustained in July.
Meanwhile, Stokes had shown impressive form against India in the drawn Test series this summer until a shoulder injury sidelined him for the final match at The Oval.
Root stated, "He'll be ready. I've never seen him work so hard to ensure he is fit and mentally prepared. He dedicated six months to getting back into peak condition this summer, and he will do the same this winter."
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