England will have a point to prove in West Indies Tests: Joe Root

England skipper Joe Root reckons his side will have a point to prove in the upcoming three-match Test series against hosts West Indies, starting from March 8. Notably, the Three Lions suffered a humiliating 0-4 thrashing in Ashes earlier this year. The humiliating campaign also propelled many major changes in the England squad including the axing of veteran pacers James Anderson and Stuart Broad.

Hence, it will be interesting to see how the side fares against West Indies. Notably, England’s last visit to the Caribbean Islands wasn’t memorable as they suffered a 1-2 defeat in the Test series. Root is aware of the same as he sees this series as an opportunity to showcase his side’s true potential. While he called West Indies Tests a big challenge, he believes winning the series away from home would be a huge achievement.

Winning a Test series in West Indies would be a huge achievement: Joe Root

“I think it’s an opportunity for all of us to prove a point. We know that historically it’s not an easy place for England to come and play, winning once in 50-odd years – but that’s a great opportunity for the group. To come away from here winning would be a huge achievement, so it’s something that we’re very much looking forward to. It’s a big challenge for us but something that we’re very excited about,” Root as quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

The England skipper further stated that his side will play positive cricket in the series as winning matches is their priority. It must be noted that England are currently placed at the rock bottom of the World Test Championship points table, with 10 points from as many games and a win percentage of 9.25 per cent. Hence, the Three Lions must accumulate substantial point in this series to keep their outside chances of qualifying for WTC final alive.

“You don’t come into a Test series not wanting to win. I think along with that we have the opportunity to learn more about this team, and more about the players within it. So that’s a side note, it would be a great advantage to come out of this tour as well as that, but we’re very much committed to winning this series,” he added.