Joe Root has warned England will hit Australia with something different in this winter’s eagerly-anticipated Ashes series.
Ben Stokes takes a 16-man squad to Australia for the five-Test series, from November 21 to January 8, with the objective of reclaiming the urn for the first time since 2015.
Root, England’s all-time leading run-scorer, spearheads a batting line-up tasked with breaking Australia’s dominance and firing the tourists to an historic victory Down Under.
“It’s a big series like that against a side that have got a great record at home, especially against us previously,” Root told Sky Sports News. “But I think it’s the first time we can hit them with something slightly different.
“We’re going out there with a different team, a different mentality, a different way of playing and have played some good cricket of late. Hopefully that stands us in good stead, and we can put across some really good performances and hopefully create some history.”
Archer, Wood can ‘blow teams away’
Chief to England’s new dimension is the bowling depth provided by fit-again Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, whose selections give head coach Brendon McCullum six out-and-out fast-bowling options to select from, and seven including all-rounder Stokes.
Wood is in the squad despite missing the entire English summer with a knee injury, fellow quick Archer is only two Tests into his long-form comeback after four years of setbacks and Stokes’ ability to play a full role with the ball is up in the air following his recent shoulder problems.
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With one of their most hostile bowling attacks of a generation assembled ahead of the trip to Australia, Root believes the extra pace of Wood and Archer could prove decisive.
“It’s the first time that we’ve gone over there in the last couple of tours, or since I’ve been around, where we can hit them with some real pace and more than just one option of it,” Root added.
“It means that we’re going there with a slightly different approach and a different way of attacking than we have previously, which I think is exciting.
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“You’ve seen what they [Archer and Wood] can do at international cricket and the performances that they put out when they’re fit and they’re firing and at their best.
“They can blow teams away and they can really blow games wide open. Clearly, they’re a big threat for us and can offer something different that we haven’t had on previous tours.”
Ashes series in Australia 2025-26🏏
All times UK and Ireland
First Test: Friday November 21 – Tuesday November 25 (2.30am) – Optus Stadium, PerthSecond Test (day/night): Thursday December 4 – Monday December 8 (4.30am) – The Gabba, BrisbaneThird Test: Wednesday December 17 – Sunday December 21 (12am) – Adelaide OvalFourth Test: Thursday December 25 – Monday December 29 (11.30pm) – Melbourne Cricket GroundFifth Test: Sunday January 4 – Thursday January 8 (11.30pm) – Sydney Cricket Ground
