Cricket

One of the most pleasing things over the past 12-18 months has been seeing Root seemingly grow/settle into the captaincy role. For a long time initially he was unconvincing. I think having Cook still in the team, and contending with the relationships Cook had with Fletcher, Broad, Anderson, Mo etc must have been really tricky, and clearly his age/temperament didn't seem an easy fit with the role. And it obviously impacted his batting. But, it now feels like his team, Stokes and Buttler are clearly his men, Jimmy and Broad seem to have got over the hump of that initial 'you're not going to play ever game' evolution and now give everything on the pitch and seem like exemplary elder statesmen off it. Probably the biggest change may well be Silverwood coming in, empowering Root, building a team around him (letting him play at 4 and have Buttler in the side, clearly both Root requests), employing a 'style' of test match cricket that means the team can build stronger positions and play to their middle order batting and seam bowling strengths and just empowering Root to run things his way. He speaks increasingly well, seems at ease with captaincy and his batting again, and most importantly looks like he's enjoying his cricket so much more! This might be a temporary situation but it's wonderful seeing him smile and laugh whilst fielding and his press work seems far more natural and relaxed.

Can you even imagine if he brings home an Indian series and away Ashes in the same year - becoming the countries' winningest captain in the process!!! [insert Broad Trent Bridge shock face]