Lead role fits well with Root ahead of latest Test

Not surprisingly, there have been an equal share of ups and downs since then for both Root and the team in general but, as today’s first Test against Sri Lanka got underway in Galle, the Yorkshireman feels like he has got a “handle on things.”

Root went into the job knowing the scrutiny that he would come under, not just from the media, but also England supporters and others from within the game, ready to analyse his every move and decision.

Whereas his predecessor often looked uneasy in front of the microphones and cameras, Root has embraced that side of the job wholeheartedly – a skill that was evident from an early age whenever he found himself dealing with local media while playing for Yorkshire.

At a recent event in Morley, Leeds, to promote cricket among schoolchildren as part of a community initiative run by Village Hotels, the 27-year-old took a day out of his hectic schedule to, first teach and play along with the youngsters before spending another couple of hours conducting interviews with the various assembled print and TV media.

He is, in short, an extremely likeable and accommodating man who knows the importance of his role. It is a quality appreciated by sports writers, as well as England fans and, perhaps most crucially, the players he leads out on to the field.

He admits his time as England captain has been a steep learning curve.

“It feels good – I feel like I’ve experienced pretty much everything that you can within that time – on and off the field,” said Root.