England captain Joe Root is grateful for the opportunity as he got the chance to lead the Test side following the Ashes debacle Down Under. The former number one Test batsman has also admitted that the team disappointed everyone back home during the Ashes tour as well.

Notably, Root came under the scanner following England’s 4-0 loss in the Ashes series, with many former players lashing at his tactics and selections. He could not do much with the bat either, averaging 32.2 in five Tests, finishing another Ashes tour without a hundred also.

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Joe Root was quoted by The Telegraph in this regard: “It’s never nice when you see people that you’ve worked closely with for a long period of time lose their jobs. Clearly, it was a disappointing tour, and we massively underperformed. I think, off the back of it, we have to use this opportunity for a fresh start.”

“As Straussy mentioned, a bit of a reset, and a real chance to take things forward. I’m very passionate about trying to take this team forward. I’m very grateful that I’ve got the opportunity to do that as captain,” he continued.

Meanwhile, ECB managing director Ashley Giles, head coach Chris Silverwood and assistant coach Graham Thorpe left after the Ashes series. However, Paul Collingwood will take over the reins in the series against the West Indies.

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“I know there’s a lot of hard work ahead, and I’m very much looking forward to that challenge. And that starts on this tour first. It’s a real opportunity that we’ve got to take with both hands, make the most of it. It’s obviously a very new looking squad, and it’s a real chance for the guys to step up and really take the chances that are presented to them – me included,” Joe Root concluded.