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Michael Vaughan: If Joe Root rings me, I will tell him to quit as captain

Joe Root Michael Vaughan 2017

Michael Vaughan would tell Joe Root to stand down as England captain if he asked him for his advice.

Root is under significant pressure following just one Test win in 17, which includes a run of nine games without victory.

The Yorkshire batter has been Test captain for England since 2017 but their latest 10-wicket defeat to the West Indies has seen calls for him to step down. The series defeat follows a 4-0 thrashing to Australia in the Ashes.

Root though insists he has no intention of quitting. However, Vaughan believes it is time for someone else to take over and lead the side.

"He's taken it as far as he possibly can," Vaughan told BBC Radio 5 Live.

Vaughan, who guided England to a famous Ashes win in 2005 as captain, added: "If he rings me in the next week and asks for some advice I'll be dead honest - I'd tell him to step down.

"Will England be any worse off not having him as a captain? I don't think they would, because they are going to get his runs and a senior player.

"They'll get a great role model - I don't think there is a better role model in English cricket."

Root has the most wins as England captain (27) but has also had the most defeats (26) in his 64 Tests as the leader.

Vaughan, who was captain from 2003 to 2008, hopes Root can leave his role in a dignified way.

"I wouldn't want the new director of cricket or head coach to sack him - he's deserved the right to go on his own ground.

"During his reign, I don't think he has been helped at all. His first Ashes series there was the Ben Stokes incident, then we had the white-ball reset, then he's had Covid and it's been very difficult.

"But, I always think captains should pride themselves on maximising every ounce of potential in the changing room. I just look at the team and ask why did they perform so under their potential? That would be a real concern for me.

"Tactically he has been poor. It has been a common trend under Joe - he hasn't managed to grab a game. If he does carry on he'll really need someone who can drive the tactical side of the game with him."

Kevin Pietersen is convinced Root should remain as captain, however, and says the team's ongoing struggles are down to a lack of quality players rather than Root's ability as captain.
Pietersen, who captained England between 2008 and 2009, believes the major problem lies with the overall ability of the squad, singling out spin bowlers Jack Leach and Dom Bess to emphasise his point.
"As a captain, you are only as good as your players," Pietersen told talkSPORT. "As a CEO of any business, you are only as good as your team.
"My question is who is going to take over and who is going to do a better job with these players that they have got?
"Forget Joe Root, it is about the players. Who is going to do a better job with the calibre of player that is playing Test cricket for England? It is not Joe Root's fault. Who are you going to pick?
"When Jack Leach and Ben Stokes put that partnership together at Headingley (in the Ashes) three years ago, Stokes played the innings of his life - I said then Leach is not good enough.
"He can be remembered for his glasses and everything else that's carried on, well let's hope he's not remembered for that because he's not a good enough spinner. He's not. And who is second in line, Dom Bess? Are you joking?
"So you are all pointing fingers at Joe Root at the moment, don't point fingers at Root, understand the setup. The setup stinks."

Read more: 'We're peaking at the right time' England captain Heather Knight pleased with World Cup momentum

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