Joe Root lifts lid on England World Cup plans and "drastic" changes to his batting

Joe Root is confident England will be ready to "peak at the right time" for their 50-over World Cup defence later this year.

Root was England's leading run scorer when they won the World Cup back in 2019 and, although he is being rested for the ongoing ODI series against South Africa, white-ball coach Matthew Mott has unsurprisingly said he remains a "lock-in" for the tournament which will get underway in India in October.

"We are just making sure that we're ready, tick all the required boxes and deliver in those conditions," Root told the Times of India when asked about England's World Cup defence. "It's a big year for everyone.

"One thing that we've probably got now that we didn't have four years ago, is a little bit more experience. There are still a lot of guys who have played in Indian conditions. It's great to have that experience.

"Guys who have played a lot of cricket in those conditions will be important. England don't want to overcomplicate things too much. All we are doing is trusting ourselves, growing in confidence, and making sure that we're as ready as we can be to peak at the right time and at those peak moments."

Root also spoke about the changes he has made to his technique and approach over the years, admitting it has "changed quite drastically" since he made his England debut as a 21-year-old back in 2012.

Root has spoken about the evolution of his batting style (Stu Forster/Getty Images)

"You look at how I used to bat at the start of my career and you look at how it is now, it's changed quite drastically," Root said. "You've got to keep looking to evolve as a player. You can't stand still.

"The amount of technology and information that opposition teams have, individuals have and how you play if you stand still, they'll find a way to walk you out. You've got to try to stay ahead of the curve, you've got to be smart and you've got to keep adding to what you've got in terms of skills.

"It's just about trying to keep looking to get better, keep looking to evolve, and keep learning from leading players around the world. You should not have an ego. Just constantly look to get better. Trust me, it serves you well."