England's Joe Root Eyes New Zealand, India Series Sweep To Build Confidence For Ashes

Cricket Image for England's Joe Root Eyes New Zealand, India Series Sweep To Build Confidence For As (Image Source: AFP)

England captain Joe Root has said that 5-0 Test series sweep against India in August-September will be ideal preparation for Ashes that begins on December 8.

Root, who leads England in first Test against New Zealand at Lord's from Wednesday, said he is looking to win all seven Tests that England play this summer.

"There is going to be constant conversations about Australia throughout this summer," Root told British media ahead of first Test.

"There is no getting away from that. We have said for a long time now we are planning towards that series. As an English fan, as an English player it is such an iconic series and one that holds so much weight," he added.

England play two Tests against New Zealand before the five-Test series against India.

"You talk about readying a side -- winning seven Test matches before going to Australia is the best way of doing that, filling the side with confidence. Playing against the two best sides currently is a great opportunity for these players."

The 30-year-old No. 3 batsman, who started the 2021 calendar with Test scores of 228, 186 and 218 also spoke on the 'moment of silence' gesture ahead of first Test.

"We know at the start of last summer it unearthed some ugly truths in society and in our sport. We have done some workshops recently to try and make ourselves a bit more comfortable dealing with those issues within the game and educating ourselves further," he said.

England faced criticism for not 'taking a knee' in series against Australia and Pakistan at home last year.

"This summer we will be looking at working with hopefully three projects where we can take the game to more diverse areas around the country, where we can continue to look to grow the game and offer our help and support in doing that."