Joe Root is in no doubt he should remain as England’s Test captain despite presiding over their first failure to win a home Ashes series in 18 years.
England were looking to regain the Ashes after a humiliating 4-0 loss under Root in Australia in 2017/18.
But Australia’s 185-run victory in the fourth Test at Old Trafford on Sunday left them with an unassailable 2-1 lead in the five-match series ahead of next week’s finale at the Oval.
“Definitely, yes,” the 28-year-old said when asked if he still felt he was the right man for the job.
“Whenever you lose a series it hurts and I have to take that on the chin. It’s still very raw.
“You have to look at areas you want to get better at, both in yourself and as a team.
“But I have been given a fantastic opportunity to captain the Test side and will continue to work very hard doing my best at that. That is in my control and I have to make sure I keep getting this team in the best shape to win as many games as possible.”
“We have an important Test match against Australia and we have to make sure we finish this summer strong: do not lose this Ashes series.
“We have the Test championship to play for, do not lose this Ashes series. It matters to me, it matters to everyone involved.
