Joe Root wants Alastair Cook to remain as England captain
Monday 16 January 2017 22:16, UK
Joe Root has told Sky Sports he is desperate for Alastair Cook to stay on as England captain despite his own dream of landing the job.
Root is the current vice-captain and favourite to replace Cook should the skipper decide to step down in the wake of this winter's 4-0 Test series defeat in India.
But the Yorkshireman is prepared to put his personal ambition on hold if it means continuing under Cook, who is considering his position after leading England into a record 59 Tests.
Root said: "I do think he'll make a decision in the best interests of the team, and in my opinion it would be great if he did stay on and lead this team forward. I think he's got a lot to offer.
"Regardless of what decision he makes - whether he's captain or not - he will continue to be a massive leader and a focal part of this team moving forward.
"There's plenty of time until the next Test match and we'll just have to see what happens. Every player dreams of being England captain, but we'll have to wait and see.
"I do enjoy playing under Cooky - he's a great captain, a great leader and he has the full respect of this dressing room.
"We're all desperate to see him continue, but I'm sure it's a very difficult decision for him to make and he should be left to choose what he wants to do in his own time and when he's ready."
England do not play their first Test of 2017 until July 6 - against South Africa at Lord's.
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