It was about as dominant a display as can be expected from England, innings-and-159-run victors over India, the No.1 Test side in the world, at Lord’s.
That has given them a 2-0 lead in the three-Test series, and Joe Root, their captain, wants the team to build on their gains.
Is 5-0 on the agenda now? “Obviously, that would be the dream – to put in five complete performances and have five wins. But it’s important we don’t get complacent, arrogant, or look too far ahead,” he said.
“He’s a big part of our squad, all three formats. It’s been a frustrating summer for him, he’s been injured for a long part of it, and to get an opportunity to come in this week – the easy thing to do is get anxious, try a bit too hard.
“But he settled in magnificently well with that first spell in particular, then took that confidence into his batting, that partnership changed the game, turned it on its head, and got us miles ahead on that surface. It’s a great headache to have for us, going into next week.
“It’s nice to see guys really taking opportunities, and that’s something we really want to harness as an example to the guys in and around the squad – when you get your chance, make it as hard as possible to leave you out.”
