Ashes: Ben Stokes a viable option to captain England, says Michael Atherton

Former captain Michael Atherton said England captain Joe Root should take responsibility for the Ashes loss while all-rounder Ben Stokes is a viable option in place of Yorkshireman.

Atherton also said that coach Chris Silverwood should be shown the door after the series, which Australia has already wrapped up with two games to go.

Root, who has not won any of his three Ashes series in charge, was reluctant to discuss the long-term future of his captaincy after England lost by an innings and 14 runs in the third Test in Melbourne.

Atherton wrote in The Times, “There are so many errors here, from selection to strategy, that the captain has to take personal responsibility… It could have been a very close series had Root fixed things on the field.”

“Root has been a good captain of England, and has always carried himself brilliantly and is an incredible ambassador for the game, but has worked for five years and three cracks in the Ashes, including two terrible campaigns in Australia.” Including, it’s time for someone else to leave.

“Ben Stokes is a viable option, having done an excellent job as a stand-in over the summer. His bowling is starting to dwindle, and, as he can no longer make into England’s best T20 squad, he was given a Can go. Breathe during those matches.”

Atherton said Silverwood had proved a poor placement and was “out of his depth”.

“At the moment there seems to be a lack of authority and a reluctance to challenge the players,” he added.

“There is no escape from the Silverwood Ashes, which should allow a restructuring of coaching and select responsibilities.”

The fourth Ashes Test will begin in Sydney on January 5.