JOE ROOT wants England's one-day stars to learn from defending world champions Australia this summer.
The sides meet ahead of the World Cup in a warm-up clash in Southampton – and the Test skipper is hoping to continue the momentum gained following the emphatic whitewash of Pakistan.
Eoin Morgan's side demolished the tourists 4-0 and piled on over 1,400 runs with the bat over four games, whilst the last-minute inclusion of Jofra Archer has added another string to their bowling bow.
Root is keen to keep that good run of form going – and believes that England can learn a thing or two from the six-time champions.
He told Sky Sports: "Australia have always had strong squads.
"They've gone into every World Cup right up there in terms of the rankings and depth within their squad for a number of those World Cups and they've won pressure moments. So there's plenty to learn from them as a side."
Australia are coming into the warm-ups on the back of their own series whitewash of Pakistan, but that was without either Steve Smith or David Warner in the side.
The disgraced ball-tampering pair have integrated back in with the touring squad, although Warner has felt the need to seek assurances over his and his family's safety this summer.
For Root it's all about matters in the middle – and the No3 knows the difference both players can make when on form.
He continued: "We've got two of the best players [Warner and Smith] back playing for Australia now.
"It's bubbling up very nicely to be a very exciting series and I'm sure that World Cup game won't disappoint either.
"We want to beat Australia's strongest side and those two are definitely in that. It's a very exciting period for us, and we've got such a great opportunity to do something very special."
I think we are probably ahead of where we thought we would be at this stage.
England's dismal performance at the 2015 World Cup resulted in a complete rethink of the way they approach the 50-over game.
And Morgan's leadership has seen them fly to the top of the world rankings with an emphasis on attack with both bat and ball.
Root knows his place as a nurdler and accumulator of runs rather than a brash hitter – but is quick to point out that the speed of the transformation has surprised even him.
The Test captain went on: "I'd like to think that the way that we've improved over this four-year cycle, we are probably ahead of where we thought we would be at this stage.
"We've worked really hard to deserve the tag of the No.1-ranked team going into the tournament, I think we should enjoy that.
"We should get a lot of confidence from that and really embrace that and enjoy what we've been doing and take it forward into the games.
"The best thing about it is that we are confident, but we are realistic that nothing is ever given to you in this game, and that you are going to have to continue to work very hard.
"To win a tournament, you have to be consistent as well."
As hosts, England get the World Cup started when they host South Africa at The Oval on May 30.
But before that, they must take on the Aussies in the Southampton, where play gets underway at 10.30am this Saturday.
Confirmed England squad: Eoin Morgan (capt), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Jos Buttler (wk), Tom Curran, Liam Dawson, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, James Vince, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.
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