Joe Root - Test captaincy watch

[Sherlock]

Joe Root has been appointed Captain of the England Test team by the England & Wales Cricket Board.

The current vice-captain, he succeeds Alastair Cook to become the 80th captain of the England Test team. He will be supported by Ben Stokes as England vice-captain.

Colin Graves, Chairman of the ECB, approved the appointments on Sunday evening following the recommendation of the Selectors under the guidance of Director of England Cricket Andrew Strauss.

Announcing the appointment of Joe Root, Colin Graves said:

“Joe Root is the perfect choice for England Test captain. I’m delighted that he has accepted the role and will now help to take the team to the next level.

“When I spoke to him last night you could feel the excitement and sense the pride – he can’t wait to get started.

“Joe is a fine player and a fine person who has the respect of the players, the Selectors and all at the ECB. He also has a changing room with experienced players and leaders who will support him from the start.

“The role of Test captain is an honour and a responsibility which he thoroughly deserves. Joe has maturity beyond his years and having seen him develop at Yorkshire over the last ten years I know his qualities well.

“I offer my congratulations to Joe for becoming Test captain and, once again, my thanks to Alastair Cook for the way he has developed the team, the timing of his decision and the platform he has given his successor.”

Joe Root made his Test debut in December 2012 and was named vice-captain to Alastair Cook in summer 2015. He scored the first of his eleven Test centuries at Headingley in May 2013 and currently has a total of 4,594 Test runs at an average of 52.80, placing him third in the ICC rankings for Test batsmen.

On accepting the role of England Test captain, Joe Root said:

“It is a huge honour to be given the England Test captaincy. I feel privileged, humbled and very excited.

“We have a very good group of players and I’m looking forward to leading them out in the summer, building on Alastair’s achievements and making the most of our talents in the years ahead.

“The senior guys in the changing room play a very influential role and whilst there’s a natural progression for me it’s a huge support to know that they are there to help and advise.”

After Alastair Cook stepped down from the role last week, Andrew Strauss consulted key members of the team and coaching staff and – with Head Coach Trevor Bayliss – held in-depth conversations with [three] players before the Selectors made their final decision.

Director of England Cricket, Andrew Strauss said:

“Joe is the right man to be our next Test Captain and I’m thrilled that he has accepted the role.

“After Alastair Cook stepped down last week, the Selectors and I engaged in the proper process to appoint his successor. Following informal and formal conversations with members of the Test team at the end of the week, the offer was put to Joe and he accepted immediately.

“Joe has shown a number of admirable qualities in his Test career so far. Making his debut in 2012 at the age of 21 and going on to establish himself as one of the premier batsmen in all forms of the game in such a short period of time demonstrates his drive, determination, cricketing intelligence and an ability to learn that will serve him well in his new role.

“He is universally respected by his team mates, passionate about driving the Test team forward and extremely excited about the prospect of leading his country.

“I’m also delighted that Ben Stokes will take over from Joe as vice-captain of the team. He has real presence and influence within the team environment that serve as a great source of support for Joe. I have no doubts that the responsibility will also help Ben to continue his rapid rise as a world class all-rounder.”

 

[angrypathan]

Have a feeling he won't be a great captain, but best of luck to him

 

[Sherlock]

Broad as Test captain would've been a better choice tbh.

 

[ExpressPacer]

Would rather have Bairstow as captain.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Seems the logical choice, wonder how his batting will be effected by captaincy. Will he become an even better better or struggle with additional responsibility?

 

[Zahid87]

Not convinced by Root as captain. Certainly the best batsmen in the team, but I never really was enamoured by the way he comes across as a person.

Not sure who else they could have given it to though tbh. Didn't want to overburden Stokes. Not sure for how much longer Broad will play on for. Only Root stands out as an option.

Lets see how he does.

 

[Slog]

So the Fab Four and eventual Greats of this era are all test captains now

Steve Smith
Kane Williamson
Virat Kohli
Joe Root

 

[Hawkeye]

So the Fab Four and eventual Greats of this era are all test captains now

Steve Smith
Kane Williamson
Virat Kohli
Joe Root

Azhar Ali just resigned as VC.

To be honest only Kohli is a quality captain. The rest are good only as batsmen.

 

[Zahid87]

Azhar Ali just resigned as VC.

To be honest only Kohli is a quality captain. The rest are good only as batsmen.

Get Kohli out of India, then watch whether he sinks or swims. At home, he has a set formula, and the players to execute it. When he goes outside India, where it will be difficult for Ashwin or Jadeja to get first innings wickets, will see how good he is captaining his bowling attack.

 

[Zeshan547]

It should be fab five with babar being all formats captain for pak and other four should also be all format captain till 2023 ODI WC, that will be amazing to see, 5 best batsman of this generation also being 5 best captain of 5 best teams, De cock could be that man for SA as well but no one seems to fit the bill from WI and SL,

 

[Kaiser_Soze]

Get Kohli out of India, then watch whether he sinks or swims. At home, he has a set formula, and the players to execute it. When he goes outside India, where it will be difficult for Ashwin or Jadeja to get first innings wickets, will see how good he is captaining his bowling attack.

Well that applies to pretty much each one of them

 

[ExpressPacer]

Really not impressed with this selection. I don't understand why most teams are selecting their best batsmen as their captains. Not only does this usually have an adverse affect on the players personal performances (KW is the perfect example) but also, the best batsmen are not necessarily the best captains. I personally think, Bairstow, or even one of Stokes and Moeen Ali would have made a much better captain. Broad deserved the spot and has given his heart and soul to England these past 10 years for captaincy.

I think England is trying to emulate their contemporaries in India appointing VK, Aus appointing Smithy and NZ appointing KW by making Root their captain.

Out of the "Fab 4", I seriously do not expect any of them to be good captains - other than Kohli. He was successful even as the Under 19 captain. He is captaincy material. Root is yet to be judged but doesn't fit the bill for me. KW looks like a dud when under pressure and is all over the place which usually has an effect on his personal performances as well. Smith's captaincy so far has been pretty poor too. Warner was the obvious choice but CA tried to follow India by appointing Smith. Losing series in Sri Lanka, a home series vs RSA and didn't really look too good against Pakistan either. He just had the benefit of having to play a Pakistani team that had an inferiority complex.

 

[Ab Fan]

Really tough to make a prediction regarding Root as a leader. Anyways, lets not come to any conclusion without watching him take the mantle.

 

[HitWicket]

The right call I think, has come across as tactically astute on the occasions he's needed to as vice captain in the last couple of years and although I was thinking Bairstow may be a good contender, the fact Yorkshire haven't even considered him for any kind of leadership role in recent years probably doesn't speak much in his favour. Stokes is the kind of guy you really want as your vice captain pushing the team on but maybe not in the full role. Whilst Broad, well for starters we'd basically be forfeiting all our reviews with immediate effect!

 

[Hawkeye]

Get Kohli out of India, then watch whether he sinks or swims. At home, he has a set formula, and the players to execute it. When he goes outside India, where it will be difficult for Ashwin or Jadeja to get first innings wickets, will see how good he is captaining his bowling attack.

Other captains aren't that good even at home.

Kohli is mercurial and ruthless. He'll take some time before start winning away, no team wins away these days even with veteran captains.

Smith, Kane are quite average at home, Root will be the same.

Really not impressed with this selection. I don't understand why most teams are selecting their best batsmen as their captains. Not only does this usually have an adverse affect on the players personal performances (KW is the perfect example) but also, the best batsmen are not necessarily the best captains. I personally think, Bairstow, or even one of Stokes and Moeen Ali would have made a much better captain. Broad deserved the spot and has given his heart and soul to England these past 10 years for captaincy.

I think England is trying to emulate their contemporaries in India appointing VK, Aus appointing Smithy and NZ appointing KW by making Root their captain.

Out of the "Fab 4", I seriously do not expect any of them to be good captains - other than Kohli. He was successful even as the Under 19 captain. He is captaincy material. Root is yet to be judged but doesn't fit the bill for me. KW looks like a dud when under pressure and is all over the place which usually has an effect on his personal performances as well. Smith's captaincy so far has been pretty poor too. Warner was the obvious choice but CA tried to follow India by appointing Smith. Losing series in Sri Lanka, a home series vs RSA and didn't really look too good against Pakistan either. He just had the benefit of having to play a Pakistani team that had an inferiority complex.

That's correct.

Don't understand that logic. Bairstow would've been a fine fine fine appointment here.

 

[JaDed]

Root is competitive and hates to lose he wouldn't be one of those passively boring English captains atleast.

 

[Tekcirc]

Get Kohli out of India, then watch whether he sinks or swims. At home, he has a set formula, and the players to execute it. When he goes outside India, where it will be difficult for Ashwin or Jadeja to get first innings wickets, will see how good he is captaining his bowling attack.

2 Series wins away don't count ?
Unless he whitewashes in every country he shouldn't be counted.

 

[HitWicket]

It should be fab five with babar being all formats captain for pak and other four should also be all format captain till 2023 ODI WC, that will be amazing to see, 5 best batsman of this generation also being 5 best captain of 5 best teams, De cock could be that man for SA as well but no one seems to fit the bill from WI and SL,

Doubt Root will ever be England's all formats captain. Buttler looks lined up for limited overs.

 

[Markhor]

Not sure if Root has the personality to stamp his authority as captain, he also has little previous experience of captaining.

However he may grow in the job. I'm most intrigued to see how captaincy affects his batting.

 

[HitWicket]

Not sure I'd describe Kohli as ruthless, during the England series he was matching Cook a lot of the time with the defensiveness of his field placings.

 

[Slog]

2 Series wins away don't count ?
Unless he whitewashes in every country he shouldn't be counted.

in all honesty the WI series was one of the more halwa away series

SL series was still impressive but its in Asia

 

[AamchiMumbaikar]

Other captains aren't that good even at home.

Kohli is mercurial and ruthless. He'll take some time before start winning away, no team wins away these days even with veteran captains.

Smith, Kane are quite average at home, Root will be the same.



That's correct.

Don't understand that logic. Bairstow would've been a fine fine fine appointment here.

Dude he won in SL when Sangakkara was still playing that too after losing the first test.

 

[King Kong]

Dude he won in SL when Sangakkara was still playing that too after losing the first test.

And winning in WI isn't a cakewalk either. WI had drawn against England in 2015. Let's see how Pakistan do there later this year.

 

[Tekcirc]

in all honesty the WI series was one of the more halwa away series

SL series was still impressive but its in Asia

As i said, unless Kohli manages to whitewashes in all parts of the world. Some people won't recognise that.

The simplest and most remarkable change that Kohli has done with the Indian team is insisting on having 5 genuine bowlers in tests, because you don't win tests without taking 20 wickets. and he has the luxury of having Ashwin and Jadeja who are no sissies with the bat.

In all the tests Kohli has captained, there has been just 2 genuine draws: one was in Australia(where he hardly say in team composition) and first game against England. All the other draws have been because of being washed away because of rains.

India has always been imperious at home, but not like this. Margins of wins have been dominating to say the least. Smallest victory margin at home under Kohli is 108. England were the only team to actually earn a draw here on merit. We used to win but white washes were still rare sight. A 3 match Series would most likely had 1-0 win in favor of India.

 

[world cup captain]

I personally like many here, don't think Joe will be a good captain. He simply doesn't come across as someone who can fight it out. It may be that he is simply not mature yet but all the best to him.

 

[Varun]

When was the last time in modern history we saw an England captain actually last a good 5 years at the very least?

I'm not sure Root is the guy either.

 

[Markhor]

When was the last time in modern history we saw an England captain actually last a good 5 years at the very least?

I'm not sure Root is the guy either.

Been a couple. Michael Vaughan lasted from the summer of 2003 to the summer of 2008 and Atherton lasted around 1993 to 1998 when he resigned after the West Indies tour.

 

[Varun]

Been a couple. Michael Vaughan lasted from the summer of 2003 to the summer of 2008 and Atherton lasted around 1993 to 1998 when he resigned after the West Indies tour.

Both just around the five year mark, and I remember Vaughan burning out well before the end, doing the typical thing of chickening out of captaining one format to begin with. Likely the same for Atherton.

Meanwhile the Pontings and Graeme Smiths of this world set new standards in long haul captaincy. England have never got there even once.

 

[Markhor]

Both just around the five year mark, and I remember Vaughan burning out well before the end, doing the typical thing of chickening out of captaining one format to begin with. Likely the same for Atherton.

Vaughan barely got on the field in his final few years because of his knee injury that ultimately ended his career.

As for ODIs, Vaughan never really got going in the format as a batsman. England's ODI results, bar a Champions Trophy run in 2004, was dire and he had to go so it wasn't so much chickening out as the right thing to do.

 

[Varun]

From another website, couldn't resist.

At a bookstore near you in a few months.

 

[The_Odd_One]

Won't last more than 18 months

 

[Hasan123]

PP experts already writing him off when he hasn't even captained a game. Most people's opnion is based of the way he gets out lol, he's still learning as a batsmen so of course he will make mistakes.

I'll stick my neck out and say he'll be a good captain.

 

[Rayyman]

I think Root will do well. Stokes is a bad choice as vice captain though. He is not a good deputy. Bairstow would have been a better choice.

 

[HitWicket]

I think Root will do well. Stokes is a bad choice as vice captain though. He is not a good deputy. Bairstow would have been a better choice.

My thinking was the opposite to be honest. Wouldn't nessecarily want Stokes as the captain but I think he's almost ideal for the guy you want as vice captain. Not nessecarily the most tactically aware perhaps but just keeps the team heartbeat alive and beating when you get into a tough spot.

 

[Rayyman]

My thinking was the opposite to be honest. Wouldn't nessecarily want Stokes as the captain but I think he's almost ideal for the guy you want as vice captain. Not nessecarily the most tactically aware perhaps but just keeps the team heartbeat alive and beating when you get into a tough spot.

I am of the perspective that the captain should be the aggressive motivator while the vice captain is the calm mentor on the field.

 

[Robert]

Seems the logical choice, wonder how his batting will be effected by captaincy. Will he become an even better better or struggle with additional responsibility?

I think the responsibility will make him convert more fifties into centuries. We could have another Gooch on our hands.

 

[TestMatch]

A lot of players suddenly up their games when becoming captain (Waugh, Ponting, Clarke, Smith, Hooper, Kohli).

I have a gut feeling this won't happen to Root. I don't know why. Hope I'm wrong.

 

[Mamoon]

Couldn't have asked for a more challenging yet rewarding start.

South Africa are tough to beat especially away from home, and if Root can lead England to a series victory while scoring big runs, it will really set the tone for his tenure.

Should be a fascinating series, South Africa lost to England at home but they have come a long way since, now that they have a proper captain.

Very hard to call, but I'm going with England. Root or Stokes Man of the Series.

 

[Bilal7]

This Fab Four gimmick is way overplayed and will be destroyed shortly. Smith is touring India, Root is touring Australia, Kohli won't be playing in India and the West Indies for much longer and Kane already seems to be crumbling.

These four are good batsmen and decent captains, thus far (yes, even Root). Don't overhype them because some tough challenges are coming.

Couldn't have asked for a more challenging yet rewarding start.

South Africa are tough to beat especially away from home, and if Root can lead England to a series victory while scoring big runs, it will really set the tone for his tenure.

Should be a fascinating series, South Africa lost to England at home but they have come a long way since, now that they have a proper captain.

Very hard to call, but I'm going with England. Root or Stokes Man of the Series.

You'll either be very happy or very sad after that series.

 

[Bilal7]

I am of the perspective that the captain should be the aggressive motivator while the vice captain is the calm mentor on the field.

Can't have the hot-head being the ultimate authority. However, an aggressive VC can convince his more placid captain to make the aggressive decisions, while the latter can still keep perspective and keep a cool head.

 

[Arsalan Pro]

Not a good choice,don't seem to have good leadership skills.

 

[Mamoon]

This Fab Four gimmick is way overplayed and will be destroyed shortly. Smith is touring India, Root is touring Australia, Kohli won't be playing in India and the West Indies for much longer and Kane already seems to be crumbling.

These four are good batsmen and decent captains, thus far (yes, even Root). Don't overhype them because some tough challenges are coming.



You'll either be very happy or very sad after that series.

True, but the SA team has become more likable for me without de Villiers and Steyn. The likes of de Kock, Rabada, du Plessis (especially for his captaincy) and Tahir are quite impressive. Nonetheless, it is going to be a great series.

 

[Kaiser_Soze]

True, but the SA team has become more likable for me without de Villiers and Steyn. The likes of de Kock, Rabada, du Plessis (especially for his captaincy) and Tahir are quite impressive. Nonetheless, it is going to be a great series.

Yaar ,now what has Steyn done to incur your wrath?

 

[Abdullah719]

Alastair Cook upbeat on relationship with England's new Test captain Joe Root

Former England Test skipper Alastair Cook has no problem with the prospect of playing alongside Joe Root.

Cook, appointed captain in 2012, led England in a record 59 Tests including two Ashes victories and series wins in India and South Africa before being replaced by Root.

The Yorkshire batsman is now preparing to lead England for the first time against South Africa at Lord's on July 6.

Cook, who stepped down after the 4-0 defeat in the five-Test series in India at the end of last year, said: "A lot will be made of it, there always is.

"It's a good story to write about but I think it'll be absolutely fine in terms of our relationship."

The 32-year-old said he hoped his transition back to just playing for the team would be smooth.

"I feel like I can get back in the troops and get on with it and hopefully score some runs and help England win cricket games, which ultimately is what everyone wants to see," he added.

The left-handed opening batsman has scored more Test centuries than any of his predecessors and is also England's most prolific run-maker with 11,057 runs in 140 Tests.

With the emergence of a pair of batting prospects in India for England's fragile top order, Cook hoped he could continue making an impact with the willow.

Haseeb Hameed and Keaton Jennings became Cook's 10th and 11th opening partners since the retirement of Andrew Strauss, with both youngsters showing signs they might have bright futures after impressive debuts in India.

"You're always under pressure, that's what life is about," Cook said. "That is what playing international cricket or being a professional sportsman is. You're there to score runs.

"If you don't do that over a period of time, people will look elsewhere. That hasn't changed and that'll never change, whether it's myself or Jimmy Anderson, you've got to play to a certain level to be picked for England or even Essex."

http://www.skysports.com/cricket/ne...nship-with-englands-new-test-captain-joe-root

 

[Abdullah719]

Root's natural flair and aggression can see him better Cook as England captain says Shane Warne

Shane Warne has backed Joe Root to be a success as England’s Test captain, saying he believes the Yorkshireman will be a far more instinctive and attacking leader than predecessor Alastair Cook.

The Australian leg-spin legend had a long-running feud with Cook, using his position in the Sky commentary box to constantly criticise his on-field actions and at one stage describing his captaincy as “the worst I have ever seen”.

Cook, speaking before the second Test against Sri Lanka at Headingley in 2014, hit back by saying “something needs to be done” about Warne’s criticisms, which at times were relentless.

The pair have since made up and Warne was even welcomed into the England camp before a Test match against Pakistan in Sharjah in November 2015 to work with spinners Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali.

However, Root, who was named as Cook’s successor back in February, will have Warne’s support from the start of his captaincy, which will begin with the first Test against South Africa at Lord’s on July 6.

“I hope he captains the side like the way he plays his cricket, it’s exciting to watch when he bats,” said Warne. “I think he’s aggressive, I think he takes the game on, he likes to be positive all of the time so I hope that rubs off in his captaincy. It’s his chance to shine, having the reigns.

"I'm excited to see the way Joe captains the side. I think he’s good with [assistant] Paul Farbrace and Trevor Bayliss as coaches. I think they will give him the reins and let him put his own stamp on it.

“It’s a shame that he has to wait until July for that. It won’t be easy in the build up, he’ll be playing under Eoin Morgan in the Champions Trophy.

“Hopefully he will find some form in the Champions Trophy, England can win, he plays a major part in that which will help him when the Test series comes against South Africa.”

Asked to compare Root and Cook’s leadership styles, Warne said: “Well, I think he has a bit more flair than Alastair Cook has. I mean Alastair Cook had a lot of strengths in a lot of ways. I think Joe will be a lot different tactically and I think he will be a little bit more aggressive.”

Referring to first Test against India at Rajkot last November, which England drew before going on to lose the series 4-0, Warne added: “I think if you look back over a little bit of time, even recently in India, England had a great chance to win that first Test but batted too long and that’s been a bit of a sign with England in recent times where they’ve just batted a bit too long so they can’t lose the game.

“I hope Joe Root will be a little bit more, ‘We're going to try and win this’.

“I think Alastair Cook got better. No-one is their best version of themselves as captain when they start. It takes a bit of time to understand how to work on your own game, there’s also worrying about the team and coming to terms with being captain.

“It takes a little bit of time to get into that role so I was very critical of Alastair Cook at the start because he wasn’t making a run either and I didn’t think he captained the side that well. But that was three or four years ago. I hope Joe Root will be a little bit more aggressive and try and win games, rather than make sure they don’t lose them.”

Warne, who will be back in the Sky commentary box this summer, also believes Root’s form with the bat should not be affected by the added responsibility of captaincy.

"That’s where Farbrace and TB will be important to make sure everything else is under control so that when he walks out all he has to think about is batting,” he said. “Hopefully when he goes out to bat he just switches off and bats. All we want to see is Joe Root bat because he is one of the best in the world. I think it [captaincy] will bring the best out of him, he will enjoy it.”

As for the Champions Trophy, which England open with a match against Bangladesh at The Oval on June 1, Warne does not rate the hosts as favourites but does think they have an opportunity to win their country’s first major 50-over title.

“I think all of the sides are pretty equal,” said Warne. “I don’t think there’s one standout where you can say they’re the favourites. England has a little bit of pressure on them, being here in England.

“But I think it’s a great opportunity for England. They’re playing some good white-ball cricket so I think they have a good chance here.”

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/...and-cricket-captain-shane-warne-a7737071.html

 

[Abdullah719]

Not a natural leader, admits Root

LONDON: Joe Root does not admit to being a natural leader but England’s new Test captain says the time spent as Alastair Cook’s understudy has groomed him for the responsibility.

The elegant right-hander has established himself as one of the premier batsmen of his generation across all formats, and will be making his captaincy debut in England’s home series against South Africa starting on July 6.

“I wouldn’t say I’m necessarily a natural leader but becoming more senior within the side and being vice-captain over the last few years will definitely help in that respect,” England’s batting mainstay told Sky Sports.

While he can always draw on Cook’s experience after spending four years in an England side led by the Essex opener, Root is also keen to possess the grit of Nasser Hussain and the positive leadership of Michael Vaughan. “A balance of those two and someone like Mike Brearley… the way he was able to manage so many big characters, all in one dressing room, and get the best out of them, turn a series around against Australia [in 1981]…” he said.

As a leader, the Yorkshireman said, he would be thorough in preparation but would always trust his instinct. “I want it to be quite natural, not have all these grand plans in place and then something change or not go to plan and then feel like you’re back to square one. I want to be quite instinctive with it from the start,” he said. “I think [being instinctive] has been one of my big strengths as a player and I think it would be silly not to go with something that has served me so well.”

Root has inherited a Test side teeming with match-winners and believes all-rounder Ben Stokes will prove vital to England’s progress. “He is going to play a massive role,” said Root. “You’ve seen how his cricket has developed over the last year or so and he is the sort of person, the more you give him, the more you get from him.

Stokes has been made the vice-captain of the Test side and Root is delighted with having the fiery 26-year-old as his deputy. “I think it’s great that he’s got this chance to become a bit more of a leader in the dressing room, as vice-captain,” said Root. “So he, along with the other senior guys like Stuart Broad, Jimmy Anderson and Cooky, obviously, will be massive for us moving forward.”

https://tribune.com.pk/story/1447084/not-natural-leader-admits-root/

 

[Gabbar Singh]

Incredible how far he's come in the last 5 years. And he's still so young.

 

[Robert]

I think the responsibility will make him convert more fifties into centuries. We could have another Gooch on our hands.

So far, so good.

 

[Hasan123]

PP experts already writing him off when he hasn't even captained a game. Most people's opnion is based of the way he gets out lol, he's still learning as a batsmen so of course he will make mistakes.

I'll stick my neck out and say he'll be a good captain.

Will stick with this prediction. He'll do a good job I feel. He'll take England in a different direction tests. I think it will be a positive one.

His batting will improve with the responsibility of capatincy.

 

[Hasan123]

This Fab Four gimmick is way overplayed and will be destroyed shortly. Smith is touring India, Root is touring Australia, Kohli won't be playing in India and the West Indies for much longer and Kane already seems to be crumbling.

These four are good batsmen and decent captains, thus far (yes, even Root). Don't overhype them because some tough challenges are coming.



You'll either be very happy or very sad after that series.

Smith is touring India? So what? He was always going to score runs in India.

 

[Bilal7]

Smith is touring India? So what? He was always going to score runs in India.

Smith outdid expectations there given his below-par series in Sri Lanka before that.

 

[James]

Not sure why so many people rate Kohli above Smith, Root and Williamson. Yes Kohli has more natural talent in his little finger than his contemporaries can boast in their whole bodies, and yes he is an ATG player in limited overs. However in TEST cricket he is the only one of the "Fab Four" to average less than 50 with the bat.

 

[Ellipsism]

Really not impressed with this selection. I don't understand why most teams are selecting their best batsmen as their captains. Not only does this usually have an adverse affect on the players personal performances (KW is the perfect example) but also, the best batsmen are not necessarily the best captains. I personally think, Bairstow, or even one of Stokes and Moeen Ali would have made a much better captain. Broad deserved the spot and has given his heart and soul to England these past 10 years for captaincy.

I think England is trying to emulate their contemporaries in India appointing VK, Aus appointing Smithy and NZ appointing KW by making Root their captain.

Out of the "Fab 4", I seriously do not expect any of them to be good captains - other than Kohli. He was successful even as the Under 19 captain. He is captaincy material. Root is yet to be judged but doesn't fit the bill for me. KW looks like a dud when under pressure and is all over the place which usually has an effect on his personal performances as well. Smith's captaincy so far has been pretty poor too. Warner was the obvious choice but CA tried to follow India by appointing Smith. Losing series in Sri Lanka, a home series vs RSA and didn't really look too good against Pakistan either. He just had the benefit of having to play a Pakistani team that had an inferiority complex.

Smith had been captaining NSW and the Sydney Sixers for a couple of seasons, Warner on the other hand had zero prior captaincy experience. Now you tell me who the 'obvious' choice is.

 

[ExpressPacer]

Smith had been captaining NSW and the Sydney Sixers for a couple of seasons, Warner on the other hand had zero prior captaincy experience. Now you tell me who the 'obvious' choice is.

Of course. But the point I trying to make was that Smith had always been thought of the next skipper and was therefore slowly groomed into the position despite the fact that Warner was very much the perfect candidate for an Aussie captain. His personality screams it out. Australia have always gone for aggressive captains like Punter and Clarke, which is why I think Warner would've been the more suitable heir.

 

[Hasan123]

Smith outdid expectations there given his below-par series in Sri Lanka before that.

He averaged 40 in Sri Lanka. That wasn't bad.

 

[Ellipsism]

Of course. But the point I trying to make was that Smith had always been thought of the next skipper and was therefore slowly groomed into the position despite the fact that Warner was very much the perfect candidate for an Aussie captain. His personality screams it out. Australia have always gone for aggressive captains like Punter and Clarke, which is why I think Warner would've been the more suitable heir.

Possibly, but you have to take into consideration that the CA wouldn't appoint Warner as captain a year after his incident with Root.

 

[James]

Apart from one mistake in the field - taking the second new ball too early, and not persisting with the dual spinners - Root has had an excellent first game as captain so far, with a daddy hundred inspiring England to a healthy lead in the first dig.

It will be interesting to witness Root's approach to the declaration tomorrow and then his final innings strategy.

 

[shaz619]

Moeen Ali should be captain, he is more equipped then Root and it would unite Great Britain more then ever in these troubling times

 

[Bilal7]

He averaged 40 in Sri Lanka. That wasn't bad.

I agree. It was below-par.

 

[Bilal7]

Moeen Ali should be captain, he is more equipped then Root and it would unite Great Britain more then ever in these troubling times

Agreed. Imagine such an awesome bloke leading England. England will gain 200 million fans overnight, although the hate from a certain country will increase ten-fold.

 

[Robert]

Apart from one mistake in the field - taking the second new ball too early, and not persisting with the dual spinners - Root has had an excellent first game as captain so far, with a daddy hundred inspiring England to a healthy lead in the first dig.

It will be interesting to witness Root's approach to the declaration tomorrow and then his final innings strategy.

The test will come in Australia when England have been bowled out for 200, it's not swinging, Beard is not turning it and Smith is on 120 not out.

 

[Robert]

England captains tend to last four or five years. Then the pressure of the role becomes too great and they burn out. Happened to Gooch, Athers, Nasser, Vaughan, Strauss, Cook. There is simply too much for one man to do. The culture should change - pick the best eleven, make one skipper and let him run things on the field and no other duties, like the Aussies.

I don't want to see Root get that exhausted thousand yard stare like Strauss, or fight back tears like Vaughan. But it's coming, unless the culture changes.

 

[shaz619]

Agreed. Imagine such an awesome bloke leading England. England will gain 200 million fans overnight, although the hate from a certain country will increase ten-fold.

I think moving forward into the future it's a possibility in at least one of the formats

 

[Markhor]

Did a good job yesterday in taking James Anderson out of the attack after three overs to bring on debutant Roland-Jones who took a 5-fer.

Anderson didn't moan about it which was good to see.

Couldn't do that in Pakistan as it'd be a violation of "seniority" culture.

 

[Hasan123]

He will be a good captain. People were too harsh to judge his potential captaincy on the way he gets out at times and conversion rate in terms of centuries.

He will improve as a batsmen and he will get better as a captain.

A potential legendary cricketer in the making.

 

[James]

Did a good job yesterday in taking James Anderson out of the attack after three overs to bring on debutant Roland-Jones who took a 5-fer.

Anderson didn't moan about it which was good to see.

Couldn't do that in Pakistan as it'd be a violation of "seniority" culture.

Jimmy did look a bit grumpy for a while though lol.

 

[hadi123]

Bob Willis absolutely slaughtered him on the cricket debate last night for batting first. That guy is an absolute savage. Love him. Also this morning commentators mocking Root for standing at short leg - saying as a captain that's not a good place to have an overall view of the situation etc.

 

[MenInG]

Not sure but he just doesn't look like a captain - too much of a kid in him! Wonder if its tough for him to control the likes of Broad etc

 

[hadi123]

Is also getting criticised for not giving James Anderson the new ball straight away.

 

[Big Mac]

I think it was Atherton that said England seem impatient in the field. I know it's fashionable to demand that a captain is pro-active, aggressive, shows intent etc. but the flip side of that is it leads to becoming easily panicked.

Pakistan yesterday made a plan and stuck to it all day. They did nothing fancy, bowled a slightly full line and length while waiting for the wickets to come and they were rewarded for it.

England on the other hand came out today, started off with a plan to pitch it up and get the batsmen driving. A couple of balls got driven to the cover boundary and a couple of overs without a wicket meant the plan then changed to bowling on or just back of a good length. When that resulted in a few plays and misses but didn't get a wicket in three or four overs the plan changed to stick all the fielders on the leg side and bowl short.

It was all pretty shoddy.

 

[Ali_Pakistan]

Does not looks like a captaincy material. Would be better if England relieves him of captain's job.

 

[Robert]

It’s hard to be a good skipper when your top order fails every match and your fielders drop four catches every innings.

 

[hadi123]

Let's see how he does against the number 1 team!

 

[Buffet]

Rashid took a wicket and Root takes him out of attack. It can be very discouraging for bowlers. Root doesn't know how to handle spinners at all.