Mark Waugh Reacts To Joe Root Relinquishing England Test Captaincy After Series Defeat Against West Indies

Joe Root stepped down as England’s Test captain on Friday, April 15 after leading the side for five years and bringing many laurels to the team in the process. However, Root finally decided to give up on the leadership after losing the Test series against West Indies. England lost the series 1-0 as the Windies won the third and final Test in Grenada. 

Joe Root led England in 64 Test matches having won 27 and losing 26 while 11 games resulted in a draw. Root said that there was a lot of thought into his decision as he discussed the same with his family as well. 

“After returning from the Caribbean tour and having time to reflect, I have decided to step down.

“It has been the most challenging decision I have had to make in my career but having discussed this with my family and those closest to me; I know the timing is right,” Root said in a statement, as released by England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB),” read a part of Root’s statement on giving up captaincy.

Meanwhile, former Australian cricketer Mark Waugh has given his take on the matter. His comments came as a response to Michael Vaughan’s opinion on Root’s decision. 

He Gave It Everything: Michael Vaughan On Joe Root As England Test Captain

He gave it everything with very little support for the Red ball team under his watch .. then he had to deal with Covid times .. he still is and will the games best role model for many many years .. now enjoy being the senior player for many more seasons @root66 ??

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) April 15, 2022

“He gave it everything with very little support for the Red ball team under his watch .. then he had to deal with Covid times .. he still is and will be the games best role model for many many years .. now enjoy being the senior player for many more seasons,”  said Vaughan on Root’s decision. 

Replying to Vaughan’s comments Waugh said that it was high time England needed a new Test skipper as Root was not willing to take risks to win Test matches. 

There’s no doubt about it @root66 is a top quality player and human being and role model for up and coming English cricketers but I feel England do need a new captain despite limited choices. Joe lacked a feel for the game and was not willing to take a risk to win a game.

— Mark Waugh (@juniorwaugh349) April 15, 2022

“There’s no doubt about it @root66 is a top-quality player and human being and role model for up-and-coming English cricketers but I feel England do need a new captain despite limited choices. Joe lacked a feel for the game and was not willing to take a risk to win a game,” said Waugh. 

England next play a Test series against New Zealand in June. It will be a three-match series with the first Test to be played at Lord’s. The ECB has over a month and a half to appoint the next England Test skipper. Ben Stokes and Stuart Broad seem to be the most viable choices. 

Also Read: Joe Root Quits England Test Captaincy After Defeat In West Indies