Darren Goff defended Joe Ruth’s lead after he retired five years later as England’s test captain, insisting there was no one better to take on the role.
Root announced his resignation on Friday morning after being put under increasing pressure after a 1-0 series defeat in the West Indies, followed by England’s winter blow to ashes. However, Goff, interim managing director of cricket in Yorkshire, where Root plays, said: “I think he did a good job. Really. He leads in front. He is a strong person. Everyone thinks he’s the calm, funny man he is. But he’s also a strong leader.
“You are as good as your players. You can be as good a captain as you want. Yes, you can make a small change of 1%, but you need a team. Individual players have to come to the party when you really want them. When your best players rise, it makes such a difference.
“I was in this locker room in New Zealand [in November 2019]. He is highly respected by every single player and coaching staff. And he was the perfect man for the job.
Root led England in a record 64 tests, winning 27 of them. However, the team’s recent sharp loss of form has damaged its credibility. “This victory in the 17th [games] is the one who opposes him, ”Goff continued during the Yorkshire Championship match against Gloucestershire in Bristol. “When you think about it, would you say that he has always had the best players available in the last 17 test matches? I would say no.
Joe Ruth resigns as captain of England Test – video report
“He has had a lot of criticism. I think that probably hurt him, he comes from a lot of guys who played the game and were also captains of England – some of his closest colleagues.
“I was surprised by the criticism. I think you need to look deeper than that. With everything that’s going on in English cricket, I don’t think you can blame the captain. Unfortunately, we are always looking for the culprit. “
There will be a warm welcome ahead of Ruth in Heddingley as Yorkshire itself embarks on a rebranding after a winter of revolution and discontent over the racist scandal with Azim Rafik. Root, who speaks fondly of county cricket, has made 3,410 first-class runs for the club, averaging 44.28, with eight hundred.
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“Whatever Joe Root gets is a bonus,” Goff said. “He loves playing for Yorkshire. We kept in touch all winter. To get a player with his experience and brilliance, I can’t wait to bring him back. And I’m sure he just wants to go back to playing now that he’s off the road.
“He will continue to be a great ambassador. He has a great love for this cricket club. He was on the news and wished everyone success before this match. That is his character. He loves playing for Yorkshire and England. “
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