Switch of Yorkshire’s Gillespie to England would be warmly welcomed by vice-captain Root
JOE ROOT believes Jason Gillespie is the right man to coach England.
The Yorkshire batsman and England vice-captain says Gillespie is the perfect choice to replace Peter Moores.
Yorkshire first team coach Gillespie is the bookmakers’ favourite to get the job.
And as he prepared for Thursday’s first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s, Root gave the former Australia fast bowler his backing.
“I’ve loved working with Jason at Yorkshire, so would love to do so for England,” said Root.
“His enthusiasm always comes across in his coaching; he loves what he’s doing and passes that on to you through his team talks and the way he coaches.
“You catch that vibe off him and take it into the games.
“Regardless of what level you are, he has a very good way with everyone in the dressing room.”
Root believes Gillespie’s experience of international cricket is also beneficial.
One of the criticisms levelled at Moores was that he had not played the game at the highest level.
“Of course his (Jason’s) experience at international level is going to be a benefit,” said Root.
“At Yorkshire, he’s been great with everyone in and around the squad.
“The key is he keeps things simple.
“You’ve seen what a good job he has done with the Yorkshire set-up.”
Root admitted his appointment as vice-captain came as a bolt from the blue.
The Sheffield-born player was chosen in place of the experienced Ian Bell.
“I only found out about it (the vice-captaincy) the day before the announcement,” said Root.
“I got a call from (new director of cricket) Andrew Strauss, saying that was the role he wanted me to fulfil in the side and, obviously, I was incredibly pleased and proud to have the opportunity.
“I didn’t really expect it; it wasn’t something I necessarily thought would happen, but, to get this opportunity now, at this stage of my career, is very nicehe said.
“I’m really looking forward to the summer ahead; it should be a really interesting and exciting summer.”
Root, who averages 55 from 25 Tests, is looking forward to working with captain Alastair Cook.
He believes he can learn from the Essex batsman.
“There’s not many better players to learn captaincy under than Cooky, and ever since I’ve come into the team he’s been our leader,” said Root.
“As vice-captain, I’ll just be trying to help Cooky out when I can, if he wants any input from me or to ask any questions, I’m there.
“I’ll be there to support him and to make his life a little bit easier.
“Everyone wants to captain England in their career, but, for the time being, all I’ve got to worry about is helping Cooky and making his life as easy as possible if he comes to me for help.”
Root was last night named England Men’s Cricketer of the Year for 2014-15.
Charlotte Edwards won the women’s award, Saqib Mahmood was England Development Programme Cricketer of the Year, and Luke Sugg was England Disability Cricketer of the Year.