ECB supportive of Root despite record nine defeats in 2021Some
England roles may hinge on Root’s feedback in meetingJoe Root has been backed to remain as England’s Test captain by his employers as the inquest into their Ashes humiliation gets under way. The Guardian understands Tom Harrison, the chief executive of the England and Wales
Cricket Board, met Root in Melbourne on Wednesday to discuss the reasons behind the failing tour but is said to be supportive of the 30-year-old staying on as captain despite a record nine defeats in 2021.
Significant caveats remain as to Root’s continuation for England’s Test tour to the Caribbean in March, not least his own desire to balance the strains of leadership with his batting after nearly five years in the
Job and the potential damage that could yet be inflicted during the final two Tests in
Sydney and Hobart.