Joe Root hopes to ride on World Cup euphoria for Test success

With their maiden World Cup title in the kitty, England have the chance to make this an unforgettable home summer by winning the upcoming Ashes too. But before that, they have a tricky assignment against Ireland at Lord's – the venue of England's thrilling World Cup final win over New Zealand just ten days ago – in a four-day Test.

Root has urged his team to "set the tone" for the summer by approaching the Lord's game with pride, passion and intensity. "We couldn't be better-placed in many ways," he said. "There's a huge amount of confidence coming off the back of (the World Cup win).

"The most important thing for me, the message that there has been to the squad, is to play with a huge amount of pride and passion and intensity. The intensity this week will set the tone for the rest of the summer."

The Lord's game will only be Ireland's third game in the format, but England – the joint-oldest Test nation along with Australia – know there's no room for complacency.

"We don’t want to sleepwalk into this," Root went on. "Any Lord’s Test match at the start is a good chance to set a precedent for the way we want to play for the rest of the summer. I don’t want anyone walking into it and not being 100% on it."

As has been the case over the last few English summers, Jimmy Anderson is expected to be the bowling unit's kingpin with his ability to generate seam and swing off unerring lengths. The announcement that he wouldn't play the Ireland Test would have sparked some concern, but Root had a reassuring update.

"Jimmy probably would have been able to get through this Test match," Root said. "We thought the last thing we want is him carrying a niggle going into a series, so we tried to be sensible about it and give him as much time to be 100% going into that series."

In Anderson's absence, Olly Stone is set to make his debut at Lord's, and Root is eager to see the paceman, known for his ability to clock over 90 mph, in action. "He’s got good pace," said Root. "That’s one thing that he brings to this group – an extra bit of pace, something different to turn to. It'll be a good opportunity to see him play this week."