Joe Root has been given backing to continue as England Test captain by Andrew Strauss and will lead the team again on the West Indies tour.
Chris Silverwood, Ashley Giles and Graham Thorpe have lost their jobs in the wake of the 4-0 loss to Australia, but there is little time for reflection with a red-ball tour of the West Indies set to begin on March 8.
Strauss, who’s stepped in in a short-term role as managing director of England men’s cricket, said at Lord’s on Friday: “It’s probably worth saying at this stage that Joe Root will be captaining the side in the West Indies.
“Having spoken to him, it is absolutely clear the extent of his commitment to moving this England Test team forward. He’s got incredible motivation and energy to do that.
“He’s bruised, hugely disappointed by what went on in the Ashes and I think it goes without saying there are many others in the same boat on that one, but he has the respect of the players, they all play for him and obviously he sets a magnificent example both on and off the field.
“I’m very happy to give him my support and make sure we have the right structure around him to take pressure off him and make sure he can do his job.”
Former Test captain Strauss is eager to announce the touring party for the West Indies as soon as possible with players and staff set to fly out on February 24.
Brendon the 1st
Roar Rookie
They've got no one else. Rooty needs to watch old tapes of Michael Clarke and his tactics in the field. Great tactical cricket brain.
Once Upon a Time on the Roar
Roar Guru
Be even more positive for us if he's still captain in 17 months time.
U
Roar Rookie
Delaying the inevitable
Brendon the 1st
Roar Rookie
English "native" Jofra Archer can hop down the road from his home in Barbados to watch the lads :laughing:
Paul
Roar Guru
From an English perspective, I'd have thought a Windies tour in April would be better than one in March, to give Strauss a chance to find the right coach, rather than have someone come in for a series in March and most likely have someone completely different take over the role for the June series against the Black Caps. Curious too, about who would tour. I'd leave out the old guard, ie Broad & Anderson, both because I'm not sure how effective they'd be in the West Indies but also because I'm not clear who runs the dressing room. I'd also bring in some fresh players, Foakes, Parkinson, Overton(?) Olly Stone if fit, Josh Bohannon to liven up the squad.
Jeff
Roar Rookie
Oh. Well that's some positive news.