Root announced his resignation on Friday morning, having come under increasing pressure after the 1-0 defeat in the West Indies that followed the winter Ashes of England. However, Gough, the interim cricket manager in Yorkshire where Root plays, said: “I think he has done a good job. I really do. Leads from the front. He is a strong personality. Everyone thinks he is this relaxed, fun guy as he is. But he is 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 1% change, but you need the team. Individual players should come to the party when you really want them. When your best players get up, it makes a big difference. “I was in this locker room environment in New Zealand [in November 2019]. He has a huge appreciation from every player and coaching staff. “And he was the perfect man for the job.” Root led England to a record 64 tests, winning 27 of them. The recent sharp loss of form of the team, however, dissolved his power. “This victory in 17 [games] is what goes against him “, Gough continued, during the Yorkshire’s Championship match against Gloucestershire in Bristol. “When you think about it, would you say that he has always had the best players in his last 17 test matches? I would say no. “It simply came to our notice then. I think this is what probably hurt him, he comes from a lot of kids who played the game and he was England captain as well – some of his closest friends. Darren Gough said he was surprised by Joe Root’s review. Photo: Gareth Copley / PA “I was surprised by the criticism. I think you need to look deeper than that. With everything that has happened in English cricket, I do not think you can blame the captain. “Unfortunately, we are always looking for someone to blame.” There will be a warm welcome for Root at Headingley as Yorkshire themselves embark on a rebrand after a winter of revolution and resentment over the Azeem Rafiq racism scandal. Root, who speaks with great affection for county cricket, has made 3,410 first-class games for the club, averaging 44.28, with eight hundred. The Spin: sign up and receive our weekly email cricket. “Whatever we get from Joe Root is a bonus,” Gough said. “He likes to play for Yorkshire. We kept in touch all winter. To gain a player with his experience and brilliance, I look forward to having him back. And I’m sure he just wants to get back in the game now that he’s out of the way. “He will continue to be a great ambassador. He has a huge love for this cricket club. He was in messages and wished everyone good luck before this game. That is his character. “He likes to play for Yorkshire and England.”
