Stuard Broad insists he hasn't given 'any thought' towards England captaincy following Joe Root exit
- Planet Sport writer
- 17 April 2022
Joe Root announced on Friday morning that he'll be stepping down as England captain following disappointing losses in the Ashes and the West Indies tour.
With Joe Root handing over the captaincy, it's only natural that speculation has started over who could possibly replace him within the England squad.
Having been captain for five years, it'll be strange to see another player lead this current squad, but after just one Test win in the last 17 matches, perhaps it's the right time for change.
One of the names immediately linked with the role is that of Stuart Broad, who can consider himself somewhat a veteran in the squad at 35-years-old.
As England Men's Test captain:
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) April 15, 2022
🥇 Most Matches (64)
🥇 Most Wins (27)
🥇 Most Runs (5295)
End of an era. pic.twitter.com/RH2ioeIzNi
But while many are suggesting Broad should be Root's replacement, the Nottinghamshire bowler has suggested that teammate Ben Stokes should instead take the reins.
"Naturally, I am aware that my name has been touted as a potential successor to Joe as England captain and I guess that is because I am an experienced centrally contracted player who has been around the international game a long time.
"However, it is not something I have given any thought to because firstly I am not currently in possession of a shirt within the England Test team and my focus is very much on changing that by taking wickets for Nottinghamshire over the next few weeks.
"In fact, I would argue we are in a fairly unique position as far as selection for the Test team goes right now in that there are only two players whose names you could write in pen on the scorecard.
"One of them is Joe Root, the other is Ben Stokes - and one of them isn't going to be captain for the first Test of the summer against New Zealand at Lord's on June 2 because he has just given the job away."
Broad does have past experience of being England captain, however, after previously captaining England in both T20 and one-day international matches.
In total, he has made 152 Test match appearances for England since making his debut in 2007 and has taken 537 wickets at an average of 27.80.
Broad did also take a moment to praise Root's time as captain, stating that he showed "great leadership on and off the field", despite being dropped alongside James Anderson for the West Indies tour.
He added: "From my point of view, that's professional sport and it would never stop me enjoying a nice glass of red wine or playing a round of golf with those who came to such decisions."
