Joe Root Says Young Team-Mates Need ODI Cricket Experience To Improve

Former England captain Joe Root has said younger players entering international cricket will have to “learn on the job” in one-day internationals due to reduced exposure to regular 50-over cricket. His comments came after his unbeaten match-winning innings helped England level their ODI series against India in Cardiff. Root played a crucial role in England’s four-wicket victory over India in the second ODI on Thursday, scoring an unbeaten 99 off 133 balls as the hosts chased down a target of 234. The win ended England’s difficult run in the format and levelled the three-match series 1-1 ahead of the deciding match at Lord’s on Sunday.

Speaking after the game, Root highlighted the challenges faced by England’s emerging ODI players, saying they no longer receive the same level of preparation through domestic 50-over competitions that previous generations experienced. He said this lack of exposure has affected players’ understanding of the demands of the format. “I think that’s one of the biggest challenges for this team and the young guys coming through,” Root said. “Not just now, but in the next little while, anyone coming into this team does not have the wealth of experience and understanding of 50-over cricket because we are not exposed to it any more.”

The 35-year-old batter added that domestic cricket had previously provided players with a strong foundation before they stepped onto the international stage. He said current players must adapt quickly at the highest level because they have fewer opportunities to develop their skills in long-format limited-overs cricket. “There is not that element of grounding that happens before you get to this level, which happens elsewhere around the world, so it’s understanding that there are going to be times where guys have to learn on the job and they have to learn quickly,” Root said.

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England entered the match under pressure after a poor ODI run, having lost 14 of their previous 20 games in the format. Root’s innings provided much-needed stability as India’s bowling attack created difficulties on a Cardiff pitch that offered significant bounce and assistance for the bowlers. India were dismissed for 233 in 44 overs after struggling to build momentum with the bat. Although England’s chase appeared comfortable on paper, the hosts also faced challenges as the pitch made stroke-making difficult and required patience from the batters. Root’s experience proved decisive as he anchored the innings and guided England through a tricky run chase.

His performance also reinforced his importance to England’s ODI plans despite the team’s focus on rebuilding with younger players ahead of future global tournaments. The series decider at Lord’s will now determine the winner of the three-match contest, with both teams looking to gain momentum in the 50-over format. For England, the match offers another opportunity to test their emerging players, while India will aim to recover after their below-par batting performance in Cardiff. Root believes the development of England’s young ODI players will require patience as they adjust to the demands of international cricket. With fewer domestic opportunities available, he stressed that adaptability and learning under pressure will be essential for the next generation of England cricketers.

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