Team have faced off-field scandals over the last year

Root: ‘It’s hard to win Test series so enjoy it’

Joe Root has called on his players to “celebrate in a sensible, grown‑up way” after they secured a first multi‑game series win since 2024 by beating Pakistan at Lord’s to take a 2-0 lead with one to play.

England’s recent opportunities for celebration have often resulted in scandal and Root intends to end the scandals rather than the celebra­tions. “It’s important we’re not ­talking about [off-field matters], absolutely,” he said. “But it’s hard to win Test matches, it’s hard to win Test series, so enjoy it and celebrate it, but in a sensible, grown-up way. It’s been a really good start to, I don’t know what you want to call it, this new team.”