Joe Root will be the England captain on next month’s tour of the West Indies.© AFP
Joe Root was confirmed on Friday by interim director Andrew Strauss as England Test captain for next month’s tour of the West Indies, despite leading the squad to a dismal 4-0 series loss in Australia. But batting coach Graham Thorpe is the last senior member of team management to pay the price for Ashes’ humiliation, following the departure of director Ashley Giles and head coach Chris Silverwood.
Former England captain Strauss, who has replaced Giles on a temporary basis, said Root would remain in charge for the red ball tour of the Caribbean, with the first test starting on March 8.
“It’s probably worth saying at this stage that Joe Root will be captain of the West Indies side,” Strauss told reporters.
“After speaking to him it is absolutely clear how great his dedication is to moving this England Test team forward. He has incredible motivation and energy to do so.
“He is bruised, very disappointed by what has happened in the Ashes and I think it goes without saying that there are many others in the same boat, but he has the respect of the players, they are all playing for him and it is clear that he makes sets.” a wonderful example both on and off the field.
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“I’m very happy to give him my support and to make sure we have the right structure around him to take the pressure off him and make sure he can do his job.”
A brief statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed Thorpe’s departure, saying: “Graham Thorpe has left his position as England assistant coach.”
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