Root hailed as one of game’s ‘all-time greats’
By Tom Cary, Senior Sports Correspondent
Root was hailed as a “great human being” and backed to become England’s greatest ever batsman after standing down as Test captain.
The 31-year-old, who was appointed Sir Alastair Cook’s successor in 2017 and holds the record for the highest number of matches and wins as skipper, resigned after a run of poor results which culminated in last month’s Test series defeat in the West Indies.
Stuart Broad and James Anderson, the fast bowlers who were left out of the tour to the Caribbean, led the tributes and given that Root signed off their nudge into England exile the veteran pair’s words carry a unique weight.
“It’s been a pleasure to be part of Joe Root’s England side,” Anderson, England’s all-time leading wicket-taker wrote. “The way he’s managed to balance the responsibilities and stresses of leading the team while also becoming one of the world’s greatest batters has been extraordinary.
“He is an incredible ambassador for the sport and I can’t wait to see him back out in the middle where I’m certain he’ll cement himself as one of the all-time greats.”
Broad added on Instagram: “Most Test wins as England captain and a great human being”.
Root admitted that the team’s recent poor form meant the “timing was right” for him to relinquish the top job in English cricket – a verdict endorsed by former England assistant head coach Paul Farbrace.
“Joe has carried not only the captaincy and the team but the batting as well on his broad shoulders for quite some time,” Farbrace told BBC Radio 5 Live. “I think he has made the right decision and I’m pleased that he has been able to make that decision.”
Former England captain David Gower agreed it was the right time for Root to step down. “The stark fact is, under his leadership over the last 12-18 months, nothing much has gone right,” Gower said. “At some stage you get to the point – and I remember this from all those years ago – where you realise that whatever you say or do, it’s not going to inspire a team any more.”
Darren Gough, the former England fast bowler who is now Yorkshire’s interim director of cricket, described criticism of Root as “surprising”. “I think what probably hurt him – it’s come from a lot of guys who played the game and captained England as well, some of his closest mates. Unfortunately, we’re always looking for someone to blame.”
England women’s captain Heather Knight said Root had done himself, his family and his country proud, while Northern Diamonds cricketer Katie Levick backed him to go on to greater heights: “Hopefully he can kick on to become England’s greatest ever without the weight of the world on his shoulders.”
Sam Billings tweeted: “No one can ever doubt your commitment and efforts to the team.”
