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Joe Root ‘grateful’ to survive Ashes cull

Team MVR

England captain Joe Root on Wednesday said he was thankful to still hold his post after a crushing Ashes series loss as he insisted a revamped team could bounce back in the West Indies.

A humiliating 4-0 reverse in Australia saw England director of cricket Ashley Giles, head coach Chris Silverwood and batting coach Graham Thorpe all sacked.

Root, however, was spared the fate of the three former England cricketers, and allowed to continue as captain, although many observers suggested that was due to a lack of alternatives if officials wanted to avoid burdening all-rounder Ben Stokes with the job.

The Yorkshire batsman was spared the axe by acting director of cricket Andrew Strauss, with Root well aware the decision could have gone the other way as he commiserated with the dismissed backroom staff.

“It’s never nice when you see people that you’ve worked closely with for a long period of time lose their jobs,” said Root ahead of a new-look squad’s departure for the Caribbean on Thursday.

“They’ve given a huge amount to English cricket. I really hope they find something that fulfils them.

“Clearly it was a disappointing tour and we massively underperformed. Off the back of it we have to use this opportunity for a fresh start. I’m very grateful that I’ve got the opportunity to do that as captain.”

England, bidding to end a woeful run of just one win in 14 Tests, will travel to the West Indies without their two all-time leading bowlers in the format after the new-ball duo of James Anderson and Stuart Broad were both controversially dropped.