Joe Root is facing questions over his future as England Test captain following a disappointing series defeat against the West Indies.
England have won just one of their last 17 Test matches and failed to win any of their last five series' under Root's leadership and the likes of Michael Atherton and Steve Harmison have called for him to resign as skipper. Atherton feels there is 'no justification' for Root to continue, while Harmison has claimed he should quit for "his own mental sanity".
Root has said he wants to continue as captain but conceded the decision could be made for him when England appoint their new managing director and head coach. "I'm very passionate about taking this team forward and I will control what I can," Root said.
If Root's tenure as England captain does indeed come to an end in the wake of this series, Mirror Sport has taken a look at three potential candidates to replace him
Ben Stokes
The only real viable alternative to Root as captain due to his guaranteed selection in every team if fit. Commands total respect from the players due not only to his Test performances so far in his career but for the way he goes about things.
He sets the standard in training and is a man others have long followed into the contest. Has captained England before and by dropping Stuart Broad before the game showed he is not shy of doing the tough jobs.
Stuart Broad
Could do a job as England captain for a limited period until another potential leader emerges. At 35 won’t have a huge time in the role, but has both the experience and cricket nous to make a decent fist of captaincy.
Has experience of leadership as a previous England T20 captain, and Aussie Pat Cummins is showing that fast bowlers can do the job if they stay fit.
Moeen Ali
Could he be persuaded out of Test retirement to take charge and lead the team the way he sees fit? A hugely respected figure in the dressing room and has experience of captaining England in white ball cricket.
Has a rounded view of the game and is an empathetic character who could get the best out of players and would be a ready made wicket-taking spinner for the side.
