How the main men measure up
Joe Root
Age 26 Birthplace Sheffield
Record so far P7 W5 L2 Average as captain 60.75
Average not as captain 52.80 High point The imperious 190 on debut as captain against South Africa at Lord’s, digging England out of a 76 for four-shaped hole, and empowering ‘second spinner’ Moeen Ali.
Low point Contrary to popular misconception, not the Headingley declaration but the two pitiful collapses at Trent Bridge v South Africa.
Key lieutenant Ben Stokes was his fixer with bat, ball and those pale, pail hands. James Anderson now reverts to the consigliere role he played for Alastair Cook.
Leadership style Quicker to attack than his predecessor, he has forsaken incessant grinding for sharper, streetwise sallies and judicious field placings.
Most likely to say “I’m happy with the guys to be honest, it’s all about performances and results and kicking on from here, if I’m being honest.” Least likely to say “Yes, we are a bunch of butter-fingered klutzes and next one to drop one is going to feel the toe of my boot where the sun doesn’t shine.”
Steve Smith
Age 28 Birthplace Sydney
Record so far P26 W13 D5 L8 Average as captain 69.02 Average not as captain 51.83 High point Victory over India by 333 runs in Pune last February – he made 109 and his spinners bowled the hosts out for 105 and 107. Low point The collapse at Hobart in November 2016 – the hosts were bowled out for 85 to set up South Africa’s victory by an innings, which won them the series. Key lieutenant Mitchell Starc is his MVP but David Warner sets the tone in the field with sound advice, as well as pantomime aggression. Leadership style Collegiate but relies heavily on Starc and Josh Hazlewood firing. If they do not spark he can look lost, and he rarely improvises.
Most likely to say “Look, we’re still a young side and it’s great that we were able to implement the plans we’ve formulated to win a game of cricket.”
Least likely to say “Fair suck of the sauce bottle, mate. Don’t be a dill. I need your aggro like a third armpit.”