Ashes 2019 | We felt ahead in the game all of the way through, says Joe Root

While the 2005 Ashes has always been romanticised to an extent that has made any fan go back and check all the contents related to the series, Ashes 2019 was a step up in that count. From Steve Smith's redemption to Ben Stokes doing Ben Stokes things, to Tim Paine, of all people, leading the Aussies to their first Urn retention in England in 18 years, it was a summer that had it all. After the Headingley miracle, Australia won the fourth Test in Manchester to move 2-1 ahead and retain the Ashes but the hosts battled back at The Oval to deny the touring side their first Test series win in England since 2001. Although the urn hasn't made its way back, Joe Root is understandably happy.

"That World Cup was incredible, for it to finish how it did and across the board there were some fantastic contests. To be backed up by such an evenly matched Ashes series, again we were blessed with brilliant support throughout but the cricket itself was gripping - quite hard to be involved in at times, especially when you were on the wrong end of it. But what a summer of cricket it's been, I think a huge success for English cricket and we've got a great opportunity now to spring the game forward in this country," Root was quoted by Cricinfo.

"For the first time in this series, we felt in front of the game all of the way through. We have to get used to it more and more. I thought we were brilliant. To bounce back from a very difficult emotional week, to come and play in the manner we have, the team has a lot of character in abundance."

Jofra Archer collected 22 wickets from four Tests while showcasing both some serious skill and control along the way, which had made him one of the most talked-about young talents in the sport. Even in the last game, he helped set up victory at The Oval with a first-innings 6 for 62 in the first innings and even though he has gone wicket-less in the second dig, his duel with Matthew Wade was a sight to behold. Joe Root believes Archer has been brilliant throughout and can change the spectacle just like that.

"He's come in and been fantastic," Root said. "Four Test matches, two six-fors. He has a way of having a huge impact on the game, you saw his spell here, it just changed the whole atmosphere of the ground, was incredible really. For someone right at the beginning of his career to have such a gift is entertaining, it's great to be able to captain that and I'm very much looking forward to the rest of his journey.

"When I faced him in the nets against the red ball, it was clear he was going to be something special. we've got to be careful of expecting too much of him. He's a young guy at the start of his career, playing in three formats, and he's still learning. I'm still learning how to get the best out of him as captain.

"But one thing you can expect is he's going to entertain and make things happen. At times he's not going to bowl at 90mph, but he'll go at two-and-a-half an over and create chances. I think making sure we don't expect him to average 12 is something really important, while also knowing he's got that ability to turn a game."