Root will have new deputy for first Ashes Test as Stokes awaits fate
● Captain and coach Bayliss have yet to pick No 2 for opening clash in Brisbane
Joe Root will have a new tour deputy in place as his vicecaptain in time for the first Ashes Test.
Further discussions will take place before Root and coach Trevor Bay liss agree on the identity of the man who seems increasingly certain to have to step into one of the pivotal roles which was initially to be filled by Ben Stokes.
The match-winning allrounder remains official vicecaptain, but his prospects of joining his team- mates at any point in a series which begins on 23 November in Brisbane and end son 8 January in Sydney are growing slimmer by the day.
Stokes remains at home in England still waiting to hear whether Avon& Somerset Police decide to charge him after his arrest on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm in Bristol on 25 September and then release under investigation.
As England prepare for their first warm-up match this weekend–in which Steven Finn and Moeen Ali will play no part as they await scans on respective knee and side injuries – Root confirmed that a tour vice- captain will soon be named.
“Over the next few days, myself and Trevor and the management will come up with it, and it will be sorted by the first Test,” said the Yorkshireman.
Root does not see it as a critical role, however, for a team which has its share of experience–albeit with several less-seasoned or established internationals sprinkled through it too.
“I don’t think it makes a massive difference to me on t he field,” Root added, as he nears his maiden Ashes series in charge.
“I have some senior players around me who have been fantastic throughout the summer.
“It is aside that is always wanting to help each other out, which is a great environment to work in.
“Players are thinking about the game, looking to drive it for ward themselves and take responsibility. It is a joy to captain.”
Root has spelled out too that, although England’s first fixture is non first- class over just two days against a secondstring Western Australia, he wants to set t he tone with a dominant display.
“We want to be as ruthless as we can and start the tour as we mean to go on,” he said.
“Obviously, we want to give guys opportunities when those chances arise – but not at the expense of losing and not being at our best.
“We’ll have the attitude of trying to win the game, even though it is a two-day er .”
It is difficult to gauge the likely standard of opposition at the WACA, with the first team in Sheffield Shield action in Sydney.
But Root added: “I think it is irrelevant – you can only play what is put up against you.
“We can only measure ourselves on how we do in those fixtures and how well we go about our business ... trying to win and getting into the habit of winning early in the tour.
“So, when the Tests come around, we have belief from what we have done in the warm- up games.”
Everyone, he insists, will start with a point to prove.
“These three games are opportunities,” said Root.
“If you feel like you are settled in the side, you need to make sure you are proved in your position. If you are someone coming into the squad, this is a chance to put your name forward for that first Test. Guys must stand up and take their chances. Everyone is excited – you can see there is a desire and hunger. They are really up for the challenge of this tour.”