England show some surprising caution at the start of the Joe Root era

For all the bold talk when the Yorkshireman was appointed, the squad for his first game as England captain against South Africa hints at a pragmatic approach

Now for something completely different: white kit, red ball and a week in the same hotel. It is finally Test match time. The first one against South Africa starts at Lord’s on Thursday and then there will be six more this summer inside eight weeks.

Related: Gary Ballance recalled to England Test team against South Africa

Related: Joe Root can bring aggression to England captaincy in new big-hitting era | Vic Marks

Related: Joe Root was not always earmarked for England captaincy but rarely shirks a test | The Spin

Continue reading...