England Test captain Joe Root has recalled his first experience of watching Test cricket at Headingley, which came during India’s 2002 tour of England. As a young cricketer, Root watched India’s batting greats Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid put England’s bowling attack under enormous pressure.

The 2002 Headingley Test featured several of India’s biggest names, including Tendulkar, Ganguly, Dravid and Virender Sehwag. Despite conditions that appeared helpful for the bowlers, Ganguly opted to bat first after winning the toss. India’s decision eventually paid off in emphatic fashion.

India posted a massive 628/8 declared, with Tendulkar scoring 193, Ganguly making 128 and Dravid contributing 148. England struggled in response as India secured a commanding innings-and-46-run victory.

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Root recalled the experience while speaking to The Daily Mail, explaining that he attended the match as part of a local Under-11 cricket club. He was representing Rotherham Town at the time and described the outing as a memorable introduction to Test cricket at Headingley.

A decade later, Joe Root returned to Headingley as a professional cricketer, making his Test debut against India in 2012. Tendulkar was still part of the Indian side, making the connection between Root’s first Headingley experience and the beginning of his international career particularly memorable.

Joe Root has since established himself as one of England’s most prolific batters. During England’s first ODI against Sri Lanka in Durham, he reached the significant milestone of 23,000 international runs, moving past Tendulkar on the list of international run-scorers.

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Root’s connection with Headingley also extends to his leadership career. His second stint as England’s Test captain began at the Yorkshire venue in August, making it a fitting setting for his return to the role.

Reflecting on his appointment, Joe Root said he felt “absolutely no pressure” when England turned to him amid a difficult period for the team. His return came during a leadership crisis and following disappointing performances that had left England short of expectations in the World Test Championship cycle.