After winning the fifth and final Test of the series against the no.1 Test ranked team India at The Oval and clinching the Test series by 4-1, English Test skipper Joe Root feels they are on an upward curve.

With this big Test series victory, England moves up in the Test ranking from the fifth position to the fourth position. English Test skipper feels they have shown a lot of improvement this summer.

After winning The Oval Test by 118 runs, Root said in the post-match press conference, “I think we are on an upward curve. I do think we’ve shown a lot of improvement this summer. When we’ve had tough days and tough games, we’ve responded to that. We are going to have some difficult challenges ahead. This winter is going to pose a lot of different challenges to playing in these conditions but that presents a great opportunity for us to show some growth as a team.”

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Despite securing the Test series at the end of the fourth Test, Root claimed that the fifth Test victory was huge for the team. He believes it was the brilliant performances in all departments.

Root said, “It’s huge for the group. Having already won the series, it’s something we’ve got wrong in the past. The lads have delivered this week. They’ve been really outstanding in all departments. Everyone played a significant part and that’s what’s been really pleasing. Hopefully, now we can kick on. We are going to have different challenges in the winter. We know where we want to get to and that we are not the perfect side but if we can continue with the same drive and attitude, then we’ve got every chance of getting right to the top.”

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After picking up the final wicket of the Test series, James Anderson (564 Test wickets) becomes the leading Test wicket-taker as a pace bowler, by surpassing former Australian pacer Glenn McGrath’s 563 Test wickets records.

Talking about Anderson’s achievement, Root said, “What Jimmy has achieved and what he is capable of achieving still is astounding. For him to have taken as many wickets as he has, chasing the big two spinners, is a phenomenal effort. He’s probably bowling at his best. Throughout this summer, he’s been outstanding. Hopefully he can keep that going.”

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Meanwhile, the long-time English opener Alastair Cook signed off his international cricket career with a memorable century in the last innings. Root has further praised Cook and said that it will be different with him for not being in the squad.

Root added, “I said it was written in the stars and for it to turn out as it has, it’s fairytale stuff for Alastair to go out like that and Jimmy at the end. For those two guys, who are two really close mates, they’re going to miss playing together. It will be different with him not being there but it does create an opportunity for someone else now.”

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Root further added that he has asked Cook if he wishes to return to the Test squad, but he is pleased on Cook’s special finishing style.

Root said, “There have been a few times this week when I’ve asked if he’s sure. I’m just so pleased he can go out in real style. For it to finish how it has, is pretty special.”

England will now tour in Sri Lanka to play full series, starting from October 5. After the limited-overs series, England will play three-match Test series, starting from November 6. After the Cook’s retirement, Root has agreed to resolve the top-order batting issues, but happy with the other areas.

Root said on it, “Of course you want to maximise your runs at the top of the order. You want to get off to good starts but we’ve made up for that in other areas. We’ve been very smart down the order. Guys have stood up and taken that opportunity and made sure we got to totals to give us a chance of winning.”