Joe Root Plans Mental Focus for Fourth Ashes Tour in Australia 2025

Joe Root, England's all-time leading Test run-scorer, is preparing mentally for the 2025/26 Ashes tour in Australia, shifting his focus from technical adjustments to mental strategy. Despite never scoring a century in Australia across 14 Tests and averaging 35.68, Root believes his current mindset and the fresh talent in the England squad provide a promising opportunity to challenge Australia's dominance at home. Root emphasized understanding the Australian bowlers' tactics and adapting to different conditions mentally rather than focusing on footwork or head positions as he might have done earlier in his career. Having captained England during their last 4-0 Ashes loss in Australia, he now approaches the series with a different perspective, aiming to use strategic mental preparation to counter Australia's strengths. Root is optimistic about the team's potential, noting they have "different tools" and a strong fast-bowling unit to bring a new dynamic to the series. The Ashes series begins on November 21 in Perth, with England eager to reclaim the urn they last won in Australia in 2015.