BENGALURU – England Test captain Joe Root has indicated a few changes inthe Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against Pakistan.

Root has completed a little over a year in his captaincy role and followingthe underwhelming results over the last few months, where the Three Lionssuffered a 4-0 Ashes defeat against Australia, followed by another Testseries loss in New Zealand in March, the skipper is predicting significantchanges to his team.

“Looking forward, there will be changes, especially long-term and then itis up to guys to come in and take the opportunities,” said Root whiletalking to Sky Sports Cricket. “I want us to keep searching for ways to bea really effective side in a number of different conditions.”

First Test between England and Pakistan will begin from May 24 at Lord’s,whereas the final match of the series will be played from June 1 atHeadingley.

‘No bitter feeling for not being picked in IPL’ Root went unsold in theIndian Premier League (IPL) players’ auction in February, but theright-handed batsman does not grudge several England players who are inIndia to showcase their talents in the ongoing tournament.

“It’s not frustration watching the other guys,” he said. “I went into theIPL auction to get a bit more exposure to T20 cricket, it didn’tmaterialise, it would have been nice to be involved in that but I’ve got nobitter feelings towards the other guys, I think it’s great.” Root isinstead watching his England teammates, including all-rounder Ben Stokesand wicketkeeper batsman Jos Buttler, play in the eight-team league andbelieves their experience would only strengthen the team.

“They’ll benefit hugely from it and we, as a side, will benefit hugely fromit. Look at the way Jos and Ben and a few guys came back from it last yearand what it has brought to their games…” said Root. “Hopefully that canhappen on a wider scale with more and more players going out there fromEnglish cricket, playing under scrutiny and in the high-pressure situationsthat that tournament brings, it can only be a good thing for us in the longterm.” – Agencies