England’s recent loss to West Indies has seen them go five Tests without any victory. This is coming after the Ashes in December, where they lost 4-0 to Australia. The loss to Australia led to some adjustments in the England team, including the resignation of the director or cricket and the removal of Coach Chris Silverwood and his assistant Ashley Giles. These measures were taken in a bid to rescue whatever was left of England cricket, which has shown no sign of improving.
Joe Root, captain of the England team was, is one of the key people who was not affected by the shake-up that happened earlier this year. Indeed, he was allowed to lead England to face West Indies, an Test that ended with England losing and marking their fifth loss in a row.
His record as skipper has not been all bad, as he has won 27 out of 64 Tests, which is more than any captain has accomplished in England. But he has also marked the most losses, and that is what is defining his career at this point.
Root has never failed to express his interest in leading his country, and it is, no doubt, something he strongly believes in. But beliefs and inspiring words do not count for anything if there are no results to show. With just one win from their last 17 Test matches, there are those who feel it is time for Root to relinquish his position.
Speaking recently at a radio interview, Michael Vaughan, a former England captain, asked for Root to step down, saying he has taken the team “as far as he possibly can.” Vaughan said he was ready to tell Root to his face to step down from his position as captain of the team. He also doesn’t think England would be worse off without Root as the captain.
Another former captain of England, Nasser Hussain, has also called on Root to give up his position, saying Ben Stokes would make a better captain. Michael Atherton, who became captain of England at age 25, has also expressed the belief that it is time for Root to step aside to allow another person to take up the job.
For now, there is no saying what might happen, although it is unlikely that ECB would allow Root to continue after series of bad results. Although Root has come out to express hope and optimism, as usual, it is obvious that things are no longer in his favour, and it may be time to let go.
Written by: Leon Osamor
