LONDON — Joe Root’s prodigious batting could reach a new level if he is made England captain, Alastair cook said after stepping down from the role following 4-1/2 years in charge.
The 26-year-old Root, the world’s third-ranked batsman, is favorite to be named as Cook’s successor, raising some concerns that the extra responsibility could affect his form.
Cook, who captained England for a record 59 Tests, sees no reason why the Yorkshireman woud not thrive — pointing to the impact captaincy has had on India’s run-machine Virat Kohli.
“He (Root) has got a very, very good cricket brain, he’s a part of the newer generation of cricketers and he’s a good cricketer who demands respect in the dressing room because of that,” cook said. “I think he’ll be an outstanding candidate.
“It’s a valid argument (that his form could suffer) in one sense but it has driven the batting of others to another level.
“Virat Kohli for example has flourished, (Australia’s) Steve Smith has flourished, (New Zealand’s) Kane Williamson as well.”
Cook, 32, was made permanent captain in 2012 and while he scored 10 of his record 30 Test centuries in the role, he has only reached three figures five times in his last 48 Tests.
A decision on who will replace cook as Test captain is expected within the next two weeks.
Despite concerns about the possible impact the captaincy could have on Root, England bowler James Anderson believes he is the “obvious candidate” for the job.
“Root is fairly quiet but he has got that fire in his belly. He’s a really impressive young man,” Anderson told the BBC.
“Root gets into situations, one-on-ones, with people. He speaks a lot of sense when he does speak.
“He’s the obvious candidate. The decision is a big one because he’s our best player, so you obviously don’t want that to be affected.”
Root, who has scored 4,594 Test runs since making his debut in 2012, has often been Cook’s go-to man during matches, according to Anderson.
“In the brief period Alastair Cook’s been off the field — for bathroom breaks — Root’s been in there making changes. He’s been good,” he said.
England faces a busy year with a home series against South Africa and West Indies followed by the Ashes at the end of 2017 in Australia.
Cook admits England stagnated on his watch but believes that with the shackles of captaincy released he can lead from the front and help revive the team’s fortunes.
Still only a boyish-looking 32, Cook resembled a man with a weight lifted off his shoulders at Lord’s HQ Tuesday.
While he admitted sadness at relinquishing his post, he believes a change of captain can rejuvenate an England side that lost eight of 17 Tests in 2016, and his own form.
“I have churned out runs most of my career,” cook said. “I’m excited to go back into the ranks and play with different pressure. There are huge talents in that dressing room and I hope to be still part of it and be able to lead in a slightly different way. I’m still excited by that.”
