ECB urged to make Stuart Broad England captain by Geoffrey Boycott

Former England opener Geoffrey Boycott believes Stuart Broad should replace Joe Root as Test captain

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Root accepts England need wholesale changes after Ashes defeat

Geoffrey Boycott believes Stuart Broad should be made England Test captain instead of Joe Root, suggesting he has ‘the stature, the nous and the brain’ to make a good leader.

The ECB have backed Root to continue as captain in the wake of their 4-0 defeat to Australia in the Ashes, with interim Managing Director of Men’s cricket Sir Andrew Strauss insisting he has the “motivation and energy” to turn England’s Test fortunes around.

“Having spoken to Joe it is absolutely clear the extent of his commitment to taking this side forward – he has incredible motivation and energy to do that,” Strauss said.

“He is bruised and disappointed by what went on the Ashes 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 will give him my full support and make sure he has the right structure around him to take pressure off him and make sure he can do his job properly.”

However, Boycott feels Broad would be an excellent short-term replacement for Root and allow England “time to assess the next person to do the job for the long-term”.

In his column for the Telgraph, Boycott wrote: “I would give the England Test captaincy to Stuart Broad. I think he has a good cricket brain, experience, passion and determination.

“Joe would find it easier to play as best batsman under an older player with an outstanding record than under a younger team-mate or newcomer.

“Stuart is a very strong individual. In time he’ll make a very good expert commentator.

“And if Stuart had been captain in the Ashes, he certainly wouldn’t have left himself out at the Gabba when he could have taken the new ball against Australia’s two left-handers.

“Broad has got the stature – he’s got all those wickets – the nous and the brain. In the short-term he’d be very good.

“It would then be easier to have someone new to take over the job in a year or so. It gives the selectors time to assess the next person to do the job for the long-term.

“That’s better than rushing into a new appointment when there isn’t a suitable candidate, or deciding that Root should stay on as captain for a sixth year just because there isn’t really anyone else.”