But the Ashes 2005 winning skipper doesn't see an obvious succession plan should Root step down
Joe Root should take the opportunity to resign as England Test captain before he is potentially sacked from the role, according to ex-skipper Michael Vaughan.
Root's position is under increasing pressure ahead of the summer after the 1-0 series defeat to West Indies.
Though the Yorkshireman has claimed a record-breaking 27 Test wins leading England, he has led the team to victory in just one of the last 17.
That run includes damaging series losses in India and Australia.
The England and Wales Cricket Board are in the process of appointing a new full-time men's head coach and managing director of men's cricket.
Root insists he has no plans to step down - England face New Zealand, India and South Africa in the coming months - despite the damaging run of form and the imminent arrival of a new leadership structure.
(Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
"He's taken it as far as he possibly can," Vaughan, captain of the England side that won the 2005 Ashes, told BBC Radio Five Live.
"If he rings me in the next week and asks for some advice I'll be dead honest - I'd tell him to step down.
"Will England be any worse off not having him as a captain? I don't think they would, because they are going to get his runs and a senior player.
"They'll get a great role model - I don't think there is a better role model in English cricket."
He added: "I wouldn't want the new director of cricket or head coach to sack him - he's deserved the right to go on his own ground.
"It is the first time in my lifetime where we've not had a future England captain playing and that is a real concern."
"During his reign, I don't think he has been helped at all. His first Ashes series there was the Ben Stokes incident, then we had the white-ball reset, then he's had Covid and it's been very difficult.
"But, I always think captains should pride themselves on maximising every ounce of potential in the changing room.
"I just look at the team and ask why did they perform so under their potential? That would be a real concern for me.
"Tactically he has been poor. It has been a common trend under Joe - he hasn't managed to grab a game.
"If he does carry on he'll really need someone who can drive the tactical side of the game with him."
(ALESSANDRO ABBONIZIO/AFP/Getty Images)
Among the predicaments for England surround the lack of obvious options to replace Root.
Ben Stokes and Stuart Broad are seemingly the chief candidates but the lack of genuine contenders is a worry for Vaughan.
"I don't see any replacement to Root doing the role long term," said Vaughan.
"Whoever gets it now potentially could just do it for a few months or until the end of the Ashes next year.
"I don't think Broad is the most stupid suggestion - you've got to be sensible about every name at the moment because we don't have massive riches.
"It is the first time in my lifetime where we've not had a future England captain playing and that is a real concern."
Posted by R Vaughton on 30/03/2022 at 10:44
" ....why did they perform so under their potential? ... " Says a former capt now pundit. Not ready, not good enough, BUT they were the best batters available. No international class spin bowler either. Parkinson not given a go. Great sun tan. His - MV - now totally irrational / ill considered comments. Ignores the players / coach / variety, schedule of cricket of HIS time. Eng test team needs rebuilding. That should be the / a role of Root with a PROPER plan of red ball cricket in England. Need to accept short term targets to move forward. Otherwise ALL can go home to play pyjama rounders.
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