After another dismal tour, and a poor season the test captaincy comes into question yet again. While Joe Root insists to keep the captaincy, calls for his removal grow louder and louder with each defeat. While the calls aren’t wrong, England may have questions related to the other options in the squad. As England have very few who are regular members of the eleven and inform, the scenario makes Joe Root’s role all the more secure. Let us now look at the candidates for the role

Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes is a frontrunner for the role as he is a direct pick in the eleven, when available. However, with heavy responsibility on him with both bat and ball, Stokes may feel overburdened if given the leadership. Stokes is returning from a break for mental health, and still has a bit of rediscovering to do as he rebuilds his stature. In the past, Stokes has done superhuman stuff for England and has raised his hand over various difficult positions. He played with fatigue and injury, and lead the side against Pakistan before when the white-ball team couldn’t play due to covid. With some strong credentials, Stokes is a frontrunner for the role, but England may not want to overburden him.

Jos Buttler

Like Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler comes in with a lot of experience, and has also lead the white-ball teams in the past. However, Buttler’s Test numbers may lead to questions regarding his presence in the eleven. He is a handy player when on song, and has a cool head, but has not lived up to his potential, leaving him an unlikely option.

Stuart Broad

Stuart Broad has been earmarked for captaincy on numerous occasions, and has also lead the white-ball teams for a considerable period early in his career. He is a strong character, and hates missing games. His ability to speak his heart out is an aspect that may help England get the motivation to push themselves. Broad though is 35 years old, and his future is uncertain. Being a fast bowler demands a lot on a players body, and with age not on his side, Broad may miss more games despite his hatred for sitting out.

Rory Burns

Rory Burns has some strong captaincy credentials having lead Surrey to the 2018 County Championship. He is another player who has been apart of the set up for a while, having become a regular after Cook’s retirement. He has some good numbers as well, but in between the big scores there are a lot of weak showings that are highlighted. The recent Ashes performance as well may go against his appointment. His first ball dismissal at Brisbane set things up for England, and Burn’s spot was always in doubt. If Burns does regain his form though, he could be a viable candidate for the role.

Joe Root

Joe Root has led in 61 Tests, more than any other England Test captain. He still wants to lead, but the numbers and history go against him. He led in two Ashes tours, and both ended dismally. Last year he carried England on his own with the bat, and was a more than handy bowler. As a captain though some of his tactics are questionable. He is sometimes found waiting, and can also be harsh when using his bowler, having overbowled pacers like Wood and Archer in the past. However, with very few options to look to, England may have to stick with Joe Root as skipper. The team hasn’t done justice, and his captaincy has also looked off, but for the time being both England and Joe Root haven’t got much choice.