Alastair Cook says Joe Root is ready to captain England as he prepares for talks with Andrew Strauss over future

Down and out: Alastair Cook suffers during the post-match ceremony in Mumbai today
Philip Brown
Chris Stocks12 December 2016

Alastair Cook today conceded there are now questions over his role as England captain and admitted Joe Root is ready to take over.

Cook was speaking in the immediate aftermath of his side’s crushing defeat by an innings and 36 runs here at the Wankhede Stadium that saw India take an unassailable 3-0 lead to wrap up the series with a game to spare.

The opener had attempted to clarify his future on the eve of this series when he dismissed talk it might be his last.

But with a meeting with Andrew Strauss, England’s director of cricket, on his return home to discuss his role, the final Test against India in Chennai starting on Friday could be Cook’s last as captain.

The 31-year-old, who succeeded Strauss as skipper in 2012, must decide whether to remain in the post ahead of next summer’s home series against South Africa and West Indies as well as the Ashes in Australia beyond that.

“Of course you have questions,” admitted Cook. “Naturally you look at stuff. I will sit down with Straussy like we have made the pact to do to talk honestly and openly about stuff.”

However, Cook’s glowing talk of the captaincy credentials of his deputy, was telling.

“I think Joe Root is ready to captain England,” he said. “You never know until you actually experience it. You are thrown in at the deep end and you kind of sink or swim. Nothing can prepare you for it. He is ready because he is a clued-up guy, he has the respect of everyone in the changing room. He has not got much captaincy experience but that does not mean everything.

“Being captain of England is a huge privilege. You are at the forefront and it comes onto your shoulders when you win or lose.”

England needed some resistance from their tail this morning but folded, losing their last four wickets — all taken by Ravi Ashwin — for just 13 runs.

“It will be tough in Chennai but if we can just grab every opportunity we have a chance,” added Cook.

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