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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Fraser Watson

Joe Root adamant he is right man for England captaincy as he hopes for change

Joe Root has vowed to 'take England 'forward' after repeating his intention to continue as Test captain for the foreseeable future.

Root, 31, enjoyed a stellar year with the bat in 2021, but his tenure as England skipper was the subject of much criticism after series defeats to India and New Zealand were followed with a harrowing Ashes tour.

The visitors went down 4-0 in Australia, bringing extra scrutiny on the Yorkshireman's position.

However, he has remained in charge as England prepare to kick off their three-Test series in the West Indies on Tuesday.

And speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the opening clash at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Root told Sky Sports his desire to continue was based around the team's ambitions, and not just his own.

Joe Root has insisted he remains the right man to take England forward (Sky Sports)

"I think the one thing I considered the most about it is I would never do anything that isn't the best for this team, whether that's going and playing in the IPL or putting my name in an auction or playing in a different franchise team," he said

"If that negatively impacted this team then I wouldn't make that decision.

"And that includes carrying on as captain. I think I'm the right man for this role and the right man to carry this team forward, and as long as that is the case I will be fully committed to the role.

"I always try to do what is best for the group of players - and for our desire to get where we want to be, whether that's with the bat in hand or as captain of this team."

The debacle down under prompted a widespread inquest to English cricket, and how the county game should be structured in order to help the national side perform at Test level.

Root and England endured a torrid time in Australia (Getty Images)

But Root, who scored 1,708 runs last year, said the squad was relishing the chance to bounce back in the Caribbean.

"We're very grateful to get this opportunity and hopefully this can be a real start of change," he continued.

"Both in our performance - and a real chance to get back to where we need to be and that's one of the leading test teams in the world."

England will be going in without their two most prolific wicket takers, with both James Anderson and Stuart Broad having been surprisingly omitted from the touring party.

Can you help underprivileged children experience the joy of cricket? Charity Bat for a Chance donates cricket kit to those most in need and is also fundraising. Find out more here.

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