Joe Root recently announced his retirement from England Test cricket captaincy. Root was subjected to criticism owing to England’s dismal performance in the last couple of years as a Test team.
Root, in his stint as captain, won the most number of games by an England Test captain ever in history. He commanded the Test team in 64 matches, and 27 of them while losing 26.
Who can continue the legacy or beat the record of England’s captain? Rumours are running wild about the appointment of the new English captain.
Here are four nominees for England Test Cricket Captaincy:
1- Ben Stokes
The first and foremost name on the prospects for England Test Cricket Captaincy is none other than the heroic southpaw, Ben Stokes. Stokes has given some memorable performances in Test cricket for England, often regarded as the best all-rounder in modern-day generation in cricket.
The English white-ball cricket captain, Eoin Morgan, has backed Ben Stokes for the team’s captaincy in whites. He said, “I’m very happy with the role that I play within the white-ball team and English cricket at the moment.. I haven’t played red-ball cricket for a long time. I wouldn’t have any interest in the job. I would be no good at it.”
2- Jos Buttler
The wicket-keeper batter is in the form of his life and has done well for England in all three game formats. Buttler is currently assigned the role of vice-captain in England’s white-ball team. He has amassed the necessary skills and knowledge as the deputy of Eoin Morgan and can turn out to be a successful captain for England in Tests.
3- Johnny Bairstow
Johnny Bairstow has been the pillar of England’s middle-order in all-three game formats. The wicket-keeper batter has the skills to play according to the format. He has justified his talent and cemented his place as one of the best batters in England. He could be an ideal candidate for the England Test cricket captaincy.
4- Chris Woakes
The bowling all-rounder has generated some mind-blowing performances for England with both ball and bat in Test cricket. He can be a unique and different pick to lead the side with a fresh overview and mindset.
Read also: Why Jos Buttler is regarded as one of the best T20 openers?