Joe Root to remain England captain for West Indies tour, says Strauss
- Sean Fisher
- 4 February 2022
Despite facing criticism following England's Ashes defeat, Sir Andrew Strauss has offered his support for Joe Root's role as captain.
In the wake of England's disappointing Ashes series, both Chris Silverwood and Ashley Giles have lost their jobs.
Criticism was also fired in the direction of Joe Root, with many claiming his leadership was lacking during the tour.
But Sir Andrew Strauss, who has been appointed as Giles' replacement on an interim basis, will help select the side for the upcoming West Indies tour, and has backed Root to retain captaincy.
🗣 "He's hurt, he's wounded on the back of The Ashes defeat and he's determined to lead the team forward"
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) February 4, 2022
Andrew Strauss, interim managing director of England men's cricket, confirms Joe Root will continue as England Test captain ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/daOgCQhPig
Strauss spoke to the media 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."
Strauss, who is a former Test captain himself, will soon reveal the touring squad for this month's matches against the West Indies, but he is yet to name who will coach the side.
Chris Silverwood has left his role as England Men’s Head Coach.
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) February 3, 2022
We wish him all the best for the future.
Chris Silverwood previously took charge of the side, but was sacked on Thursday night. Surrey director of cricket Alec Stewart has emerged as a leading candidate, but the final decision hasn't yet been made.
"I don't think we are at that stage, there are some soundings out to be done both inside and outside the organisation and there is obviously some decisions to be made about the actual focus of this tour," Strauss insisted.
"The only way we can look at it is to get through the West Indies tour, which is about five weeks on duty and there is some time after that to take a step back and think strategically about the needs of the England cricket team both now and over the next five to 10 years."
