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England in better place than start of summer - Root

Joe Root believes England have made major strides since the beginning of the season, having secured a 3-0 sweep against Pakistan despite leading up to the campaign amid notable turmoil. Root, who previously captained from 2017 to 2022, initially stepped back into the leadership position for June's second Test against New Zealand when Ben Stokes breached curfew rules.

Following a series defeat that prompted Stokes' retirement and coach Brendon McCullum's dismissal, Root was reinstated permanently, fostering a calmer and more disciplined team environment even after an off-field incident involving seamer Brydon Carse at a Derby nightclub.

Fresh additions such as Dan Lawrence and Jordan Cox have flourished, while the fast-bowling unit performed effectively prior to encountering resistance from Pakistan's tailenders in Birmingham. Root maintained that cultivating a resilient dressing-room culture remains ongoing, an assessment echoed by former skipper Michael Vaughan, who pointed out promising contributions from Harry Brook and wicketkeeper Jamie Smith while noting England still await their first five-match series triumph since 2017.