Joe Root shared the hope that his first Test series win as England captain could well be the start of something after the all-round wizardry of Moeen Ali wrapped up a 177-run victory over South Africa and completed a compelling 3-1 scoreline against the tourists.
Moeen, in spinning Root’s side to victory on the fourth day at Old Trafford with figures of five for 69, completed a rare statistical double, becoming only the second England cricketer since Ian Botham in the 1981 and 1985 Ashes to claim 25 wickets and score 250-plus runs in a series.
Root, after seeing South Africa bowled out for 202, admitted he had learned plenty about leadership since taking over from Alastair Cook. But while the mood was optimistic ahead of next week’s series against West Indies and the Ashes tour this winter, there was also a concession from England that places remain up for grabs in what is an imperfect team.
“It was very important to have got off to a good start this summer,” said Root, whose side have leapfrogged Australia to third in the Test rankings through what was England’s first home win over South Africa since 1998.
“It’s been very enjoyable, the majority of the time. There was a week that wasn’t quite as much fun as the other three [the defeat at Trent Bridge], but that is part and parcel of being a captain. I hope it’s the start of something.
“It’s going to take time to develop if we want to be more consistent and keep challenging the best teams in the world. If we harness the mentality we’ve had here, especially in the back end of the series, and repeat it over and over again, that will stand us in good stead.”
As Root revelled in the exploits of Moeen, extolling the virtues of having two all-rounders along with Ben Stokes, Trevor Bayliss pointed to problems in the top order. Keaton Jennings averaged 15.87 in the series and is expected to be dropped when the selectors choose their next squad to face West Indies on Friday.
The England coach said: “We are not papering over the cracks. We know there are spots that haven’t been cemented and are looking for guys to prove their worth. Keaton will be disappointed with how he went. He has things to work on but, if he backs his ability, there’s no reason he can’t make a go of it. He is still an option to take to Australia”
For South Africa it was only their second away series defeat in nine years but following a tough time in England that brought defeats in all formats and a group stage exit from the Champions Trophy they are set to replace Russell Domingo as coach. Ottis Gibson, England’s bowling mentor, is expected to be named in his place soon.
Faf du Plessis, the South African captain, said: “I have asked the England team for their thoughts and they have given feedback. Players are good judges, will always be honest and they have said positive things. If he is the guy, we will have to learn about each other.”
Bayliss, who loses a key member of his backroom staff just three months from the Ashes, added: “There’s been nothing finalised. [If it goes through] we look at is as a positive, that someone in the England setup is being looked at for a higher position.”
