Joe Root told “lack of alternatives” is the reason he is still England captain

Joe Root has been backed by the ECB to continue as England Test captain, despite his side’s disappointing defeat to Australia in the Ashes

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Root accepts England need wholesale changes after Ashes defeat

Despite the raft of changes England have already made following their 4-0 defeat to Australia in the Ashes, Joe Root has kept his job as Test captain.

Managing director of men’s cricket Ashley Giles, head coach Chris Silverwood and assistant coach Graham Thorpe have all been axed.

Root, however, has been backed to continue, with interim managing director Sir Andrew Strauss saying: “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.

“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.”

Despite Strauss’ backing, Michael Atherton has pointed out that whoever replaces Giles permanently may yet decide to replace Root as captain.

Atherton believes it is “probably the right thing to stick with him for now”, but suggested “a lack of alternatives” is why he has kept the job.

“It’s a short-term appointment as such because Strauss made it clear, he’s right behind Joe Root for now, but that appointment is very much in the hands of whoever the director of cricket will be,” Atherton told Sky Sports.

“It’s probably the right thing to stick with him for now. I do think the focus has to come back on the players and the captain.

“There’s been a lot of talk about the coaches over the last few weeks, but captain and the players need to take responsibility for performance.

“Joe Root has been party to many of those decisions that have cost other people their jobs, and it’s really only a lack of alternatives that has determined that he continues to lead England in the Caribbean.

“Whether that will be the case beyond the tour, who knows? We’ll have to wait and see.”