Ashes 2019: James Anderson Shows Confidence in the Captaincy of Joe Root

England have lost to Australia in the fourth Ashes Test. With this win, Australia have retained the Ashes, however, things were not looking good for England captain Joe Root. He came under the scanner for his captaincy and poor show with the bat. On the plus side, England pacer James Anderson has backed Joe Root to continue as captain despite many asking for his exclusion.

While Root is one of England’s best batsmen, many are convinced that he is not able to get out of the best from his team-mates. Even his decision-making in the four tests so far in the ongoing Ashes were being questioned. However, Root has one final chance at redemption in the fifth Ashes Test. He will be keen to avoid becoming the first England captain to lose a home series against Australia since Mike Atherton in 2001. The result even made Atherton announce his retirement from international cricket.

“He’s definitely the man to take us forward. Absolutely, he’s got a lot to give,” Anderson said to the PA news agency. “He has done some great work. But the team has been developing over the last few years and going into a big series like this you want a settled team that’s fit and firing. I feel for Joe as he’s not quite had that. It’s been difficult.”

England speedster James Anderson also expressed his desire to return to international cricket and he is expected to be a part in the England squad that will visit New Zealand for two-Test matches.

“I feel great, in as good condition as I’ve been for a long time. It’s just the calf that’s been the hindrance. Get that working, strong again, and I’m hopeful I can play a part in New Zealand or South Africa this winter,” said Anderson.

“The hunger is still there to go through that rehab process again. If there were any doubts, going through rehab can be tough mentally, but the fact I want to do it and am keen to get going again means I’m still hungry,” he concluded.