Cardiff: Joe Root discusses young batters learning on the job in ODI cricket

By Nathan Crowley · Sports News Writer · July 17, 2026

By Nathan Crowley — 17 July 2026 — 3 min read

England batter Joe Root has highlighted the challenge faced by young players in 50-over cricket, noting that many are compelled to “learn on the job” due to limited exposure to the format. This comes after England secured a four-wicket victory over India in Cardiff, levelling the series ahead of a decider at Lord’s.

Root’s unbeaten 99 was pivotal in guiding England to their target of 234 in the 45th over. The match, played in challenging conditions, saw a more traditional One-Day International (ODI) style of play, with Root’s innings, much like Virat Kohli’s 65 for India, focusing on strike rotation and precise shot placement rather than aggressive hitting.

Challenges for Emerging Talent

The domestic cricket calendar, where the One-Day Cup coincides with The Hundred, has led to the former becoming more of a developmental competition. This scheduling means that players entering the national squad often lack extensive experience in the 50-over format. Root, 35, observed that the current top six batters for England collectively had played over 400 fewer List A matches (which includes ODIs and major domestic white-ball competitions) compared to their India counterparts.

Root explained that this lack of grounding, which is more prevalent in other cricketing nations, means that young players must adapt quickly at the international level. He stressed the importance of being brave and understanding that there is often more time than perceived to absorb pressure and build an innings. This adaptability is crucial for players to develop a broader range of skills, enabling them to succeed on various pitches, whether it’s a surface where 400 runs is a par score or one that demands a more resilient approach.

He noted that while many players excel in Twenty20 cricket by manipulating the field, the challenge lies in finding ways to succeed in more difficult conditions, even if it means playing an “ugly” innings to secure a win.

Series Decider at Lord’s

The victory in Cardiff was a much-needed boost for England, who are currently eighth in the world rankings. The team’s recent ODI performance has been inconsistent, with the defeat at Edgbaston in the series opener marking their 14th loss in 20 matches. Maintaining a top-nine position is essential for automatic qualification for the 2027 World Cup.

Despite these challenges, Root remains optimistic, hoping the team will be judged on its recent ability to adapt. He cited an earlier series against Sri Lanka this year, where England recovered from initial struggles to win the series, as an example of their capacity to learn and improve rapidly. He believes that the experience gained from navigating difficult situations, such as the one in Cardiff, will be invaluable in the lead-up to the next World Cup.

The England captain, Harry Brook, marshalled his bowlers effectively, with Jofra Archer taking three wickets for 47 runs, contributing to India’s total of 233 in 44 overs. Brook’s own innings of 16, though not without its challenging moments, did not derail the team’s chase thanks to Root’s steady presence.

Root, along with former captain Jos Buttler, are the only batters remaining from England’s 2019 World Cup-winning squad, with 191 and 201 ODI caps respectively. He hopes this new group can emulate the success of the previous team. The upcoming series decider against India at Lord’s, described as a high-pressure game, offers another opportunity for the team to develop and understand different match scenarios, which Root believes will put them in a strong position by the time the World Cup arrives.

The top order has been a particular area of concern for England, as they continue to seek a consistent opening partner for Ben Duckett. Jacob Bethell, who has played 23 ODIs, has scored 14 and four in his recent appearances in the role. Root expressed his satisfaction that the team found a way to win in conditions that did not necessarily suit some of the players’ usual styles, viewing it as a significant step forward against the number one team in the world. The series decider at Lord’s will have everything to play for.

Source: bbc.com

Nathan Crowley

Sports News Writer

Nathan Crowley is the Sports News Writer at NewsUK, covering rugby union, golf and boxing with six years of reporting experience. He moved from regional newspapers into digital sport. He holds a degree in Journalism from Cardiff University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Cardiff, he plays amateur rugby and follows the Six Nations closely. “Speed and accuracy are not a trade-off in sport news.”