Joe Root will remain England's Test captain

Graham Thorpe, England’s assistant coach, has resigned from his role after the team’s 0-4 defeat in the Ashes series in Australia. Chris Silverwood was also fired by the England and Wales Cricket Board on Thursday (February 3). The interim plans for the impending West Indies visit will be finalised as soon as possible. After England’s terrible performance, Ashley Giles, the ECB’s managing director, resigned from his post as a result of the consequences of the series.

Meanwhile, Andrew Strauss, who has taken over as the team’s Managing Director, for the time being. Despite the poor cricket, he has affirmed that Joe Root would continue to serve as the team’s captain in Tests, confirmed by Google cricket. Following the team’s defeat, many doubts were raised about his leadership, particularly in Melbourne, where the team’s Boxing Day Test match was played. Root, on the other hand, was certain in his mind that he wanted to continue and had the support of his teammates.

“Having talked with him, it is quite evident the level to which he is committed to moving the England cricket team ahead. He has a tremendous amount of passion and energy to do this. Even though he is bruised and deeply disappointed by what transpired in the Ashes – something that goes without saying and many others are in the same boat – he has the respect of the players, they all play for him, and, most importantly, he sets a magnificent example both on and off the field,” according to Strauss, who spoke to Sky Sports.

Thorpe’s contribution is acknowledged by Andrew Strauss

Andrew Strauss also expressed gratitude to Graham Thorpe for his contributions to the England Test squad during his time as an assistant coach under Strauss. “I would want to express my gratitude to Graham for his contributions to the England coaching staff over many years and wish him the best of luck in the future,” he said, according to the ECB’s official website at the time of taking charge of this new role.

Thorpe also felt lucky to have had the opportunity to spend so much time in the dressing room at this time. “I have been really lucky to have worked with so many excellent players and coaches. Many of whom I now consider lifelong friends,” he remarked.

The recent performance did not really help his case, with the media putting a lot of pressure on the team. Someone had to take more of the blame from the management and it was he who stepped down eventually. However, whether this call will actually benefit the English cricket team or not, remains to be seen.

What next for the Three Lions; who are not having the best of times at present?

England needs to rethink their plan, with regard to the Test team. The squad is quite big but the results aren’t coming and this will be a huge concern for the team management and the board. Things are not working well for them and there is a need for urgent change, which was clear after the recent Ashes loss and the fans knew it too.

There is still time for them to get back into the game, with the T20 World Cup coming up. Further, they will be defending their 50-over title next year as well. This is why the team needs to get back on their feet and start performing at the top level. That is if they want to defend their title and perform well in the competition.

This makes it more important, now more than ever, for the Three Lions to find some form and bring back the balance to their squad. They have the players to deliver some really good performances, though the combination is just not working at present. This is the main reason that they have suffered some huge losses in games that could have been easily won.

With that being said, the plan to have separate players for different formats is a good one. However, there needs to be a change in some of the personnel, it can be said at present. Once that is done, things could go back to the way that they were previously for England.