Joe Root lacked a feel for the game, was not willing to take risk to win: Mark Waugh

Joe Root has stepped down as England’s Test captain amid the team’s horror run in the purest format of the game. The 31-year-old dropped the major bombshell on Friday (April 15), taking several fans and experts by storm. Although Root has been exceptional with the bat lately, England have just one win in their last 17 Tests.

While Root’s leadership received a lot of flak, the batter had time and again mentioned that he was the right man to take England cricket forward. However, he contemplated the same and stepped down from the crucial role. Meanwhile, several fans and experts came forward to give their take on Root’s tenure as Test skipper. Former Australian batter Mark Waugh is also among those.

There’s no doubt that Joe Root is a top-quality player: Mark Waugh

Although Waugh admitted Root has been a ‘role model’ for youngsters, he reckons the batter ‘lacked a feel for the game’. Hence, England need a new skipper. Waugh’s verdict came after former England captain Michael Vaughan took to Twitter and congratulated Root on his tenure.

“He gave it everything with very little support for the Red ball team under his watch .. then he had to deal with Covid times .. he still is and will the games best role model for many many years .. now enjoy being the senior player for many more seasons @root66,” tweeted Vaughan.

He gave it everything with very little support for the Red ball team under his watch .. then he had to deal with Covid times .. he still is and will the games best role model for many many years .. now enjoy being the senior player for many more seasons @root66 👍👍

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) April 15, 2022

As Waugh was of a different opinion, he didn’t hold back in opposing Vaughan. “There’s no doubt about it @root66 is a top-quality player and human being and role model for up-and-coming English cricketers but I feel England do need a new captain despite limited choices. Joe lacked a feel for the game and was not willing to take a risk to win a game,” tweeted the former Australian international.

There’s no doubt about it @root66 is a top quality player and human being and role model for up and coming English cricketers but I feel England do need a new captain despite limited choices. Joe lacked a feel for the game and was not willing to take a risk to win a game.

— Mark Waugh (@juniorwaugh349) April 15, 2022

Meanwhile, the England Cricket Board (ECB) now has the onus to pick Root’s successor and Ben Stokes is the front-runner to take the position. England, in their next Test assignment, will meet New Zealand in a three-match series, starting from June 2 this year.