Kohli backs Root as next England test captain

Friday, 16 December 2016 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

REUTERS: Joe Root has the temperament to be England’s next test captain, India skipper Virat Kohli said on Thursday.

Incumbent Alastair Cook has admitted to having “questions” about his role as test captain following England’s series loss in India with a match to spare and batting mainstay Root is perceived as a natural heir to the job.

Root’s anticipated elevation would also be a continuation of the global trend of premier batsmen taking over test captaincy, as it happened with Kohli in India, Steve Smith in Australia and Kane Williamson in New Zealand.

“Joe looks like a guy who has the temperament to do it,” Kohli said on the eve of the fifth and final test against England.

“Of whatever I have seen of him as a player and the way he conducts himself on the field, I think he has been a great batsman for England and I think he’s equipped enough to handle that job.”

Kohli himself has flourished since taking over test captaincy but warned it was a highly demanding job.

“It depends on the individual, to be honest. Joe is an outstanding player. I’ve been very fond of his game and the way he plays and goes about things,” Kohli said of the 25-year-old.

“He’s very positive, always thinks of any situation as an opportunity. It’s pretty evident with the way he plays.