Atherton calls for England cricket to become Root’s team
Michael Atherton says Joe Root has a unique opportunity to apply his wisdom and reshape the side following the departures of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum.
Former England captain Michael Atherton has urged the national cricket team to transition into Joe Root’s side, following the departures of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum. Speaking to Sky Sports after interviewing Root on Wednesday, Atherton stated that the veteran batsman now has a unique opportunity to apply his accumulated wisdom and put his own stamp on the squad.
Root, who was reappointed as England captain, appeared relaxed and optimistic about his second stint in charge. Atherton noted that Root is keen to retain certain elements of the aggressive playing style established under Brendon McCullum, while simultaneously implementing tweaks to differentiate his tenure. The former skipper previously relinquished the role, citing an unhealthy relationship with the captaincy and the negative impact of leading the team during the COVID years.
Atherton highlighted Root’s previous record, noting that no other player has won more games as England captain, though he also presided over more losses. Root averaged 46 as a batting captain during his first tenure, with performance reportedly improving in the final 18 months of his leadership. Atherton expressed confidence that the pressures of captaincy would not detrimentally affect Root’s batting, given the different context compared to his earlier experience.
A significant shift in team culture has been introduced, with Root and new Test coach Stephen Fleming implementing a curfew. Atherton praised this decision, describing curfews as a "crazy way to run a grown-up, professional sporting team." He commended the leadership for choosing to treat players as adults with clear expectations, rather than imposing strict controls, marking a departure from previous management styles.
The England team is now preparing for a three-Test series against Pakistan, which begins on 19 August. The upcoming fixtures will serve as the first major test for Root’s reshaped leadership structure as the side moves away from the era defined by Stokes and McCullum.
