England's star batsman Joe Root has issued a staunch defence of the team's leadership, branding any talk of a management clear-out following the Ashes series loss as "silly". Root's comments come after a morale-boosting victory in the fourth Test in Melbourne, which prevented a series whitewash against Australia.
Root's Firm Defence of the Leadership
The futures of head coach Brendon McCullum and managing director Rob Key have been under intense scrutiny since England surrendered the Ashes urn with three consecutive heavy defeats in Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide. However, the four-wicket win in Melbourne on Sunday 28 December 2025 provided a much-needed positive result, ending a 19-Test winless streak in Australia.
Root, who himself stepped down as captain after the 4-0 defeat in the 2021-22 Ashes tour, was unequivocal in his support for the current regime. "In terms of the playing group, we're absolutely committed to the management. They've been outstanding," Root stated. He emphasised the progress made under their guidance, pointing out that every player from his own captaincy era four years ago has improved.
Acknowledging Flaws While Backing the Project
The tour has not been without controversy, with admissions from senior figures that pre-series preparation was inadequate. Managing director Rob Key has also pledged to review the team's drinking culture after reports emerged that a break in Noosa resembled a 'stag do'. There are also likely to be adjustments to the coaching setup, with a potential renewed focus on skills after an initial reduction in backroom staff.
Root acknowledged there is room for improvement but urged against discarding the positive work. "Clearly there's always going to be things to do and things to work on and, yes, we can be better," he conceded. However, he praised the management's hard work and their different approach, crediting them with driving the team forward. "It's been a very different approach... but there's been a considerable move forward in terms of how we've played," Root added.
Personal Milestones and Looking Ahead to Sydney
For Root personally, the Melbourne Test was significant. After scoring his first Test century on Australian soil earlier in the series in Brisbane, he finally experienced a Test match victory in Australia at the 18th attempt. "I didn't want to come here and lose another Ashes series. It's disappointing that we've lost the series, but it's really important that we managed to get the right side of the result here," he explained.
England now travel to Sydney for the fifth and final Test, scheduled for 4-8 January, with a chance to build momentum. "It would be better if we win next week as well," Root said, highlighting the importance of ending the damaging tour on a high note. The England and Wales Cricket Board is expected to conduct a thorough review once the series concludes, but Root's message is clear: the foundation built by McCullum and Key should not be dismantled.
Ashes 2025 Series Results:
- 1st Test, Perth: Australia won by 8 wickets
- 2nd Test, Brisbane: Australia won by 8 wickets
- 3rd Test, Adelaide: Australia won by 82 runs
- 4th Test, Melbourne: England won by 4 wickets
- 5th Test, Sydney: Begins 4 January
