Root to seek Cook’s input but vows to be own man as Test captain

NEW England Test captain Joe Root says he will be an “instinctive” captain – and has vowed to put his own “stamp” on the role.

Root outlined his blueprint for England’s future at Headingley on Wednesday, two days after he inherited the role from Alastair Cook – whose input he insists he will seek.

The 26-year-old said: “I’m sure there are a number of players within the dressing room that I will call upon to help me on occasions but of course I’ll probably want to do things my way as well.

“I don’t think you should be scared of asking for help on occasions but for the most part I like to think I’ll be able to put my stamp on things and do things my way.”

England do not play a Test match until July, with the focus on limitedovers cricket and the Champions Trophy for the next few months.

Asked what he would do differently, he added: “I think the beauty of the position right now is I have plenty of time to think about that. I’d like to think I’d be quite instinctive, I want us to always look to win and I want us to be a tough side to play against.

“Talking too much about it now would be wrong. I think we should get to the start of the summer and start showing people how we’re going to go about it.”

Root continued: “I think it would be silly of me not to speak to people who have been in the position before like Cooky, Straussy [England director of cricket Andrew Strauss]. I’ve obviously known Michael Vaughan for a long time and maybe a few people away from cricket to get a different perspective on things.”

Root is relaxed about a perceived lack of experience, adding: “I’ve got a lot of experience now with 50-odd games under my belt and I’d like to think for the past few years I have started to think as a captain in my own mind.

“Of course there will be times when I 200 Renfield Street, Glasgow G2 3QB. email: sport@theherald.co.uk. Tel 0141 302 6590 Head of Sport Stewart Weir need a bit of help here and there but I’m really excited to get hold of the role and try to make it my own.”

Stuart Broad and James Anderson are senior members of the team and Root added: “I’m sure they’ll be very helpful in that respect.

“I’m quite looking forward to that dynamic.”

The Ashes start in November and Root is looking forward to the series. He said: “I can’t wait for that. As a side that’s something we should all be very excited about.”