The most measured, drama-free departure from the England captaincy in decades will surely be followed by the most uncontentious announcement of Alastair Cook’s successor within the next two weeks. Joe Root is poised to become England’s 80th Test captain. The chances of him being given the job are even greater than that of Celtic winning the Scottish Premiership – and they are currently 27 points ahead of their nearest challengers, Aberdeen.
There are arguments against Root but none of them is decisive. There is no necessity for the best player to have the job – but it helps if the captain is guaranteed his place in the side. Root’s experience of leadership is limited but that applies now to all contenders since an England player has no opportunity to lead at county level. The extra responsibility might jeopardise the output of England’s best batsman – but look how Root’s international peers have fared when elevated to the job.
Related: Captaincy was duty not art for Alastair Cook, English cricket’s finest servant | The Spin
Related: Alastair Cook steps down as England Test captain
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