Joe Root has ‘more flair’ than Alastair Cook, says Shane Warne

Shane Warne, who was more often that not critical of Alastair Cook’s captaincy, has backed Joe Root – England’s newly appointed Test captain – to bring more attacking intent to the team.

Legendary Australia leg-spinner Shane Warne believes England’s new Test skipper Joe Root has more flair as compared to his predecessor Alastair Cook and thus would bring more attacking intent to the team.

Shane Warne expects England’s coaches to allow Joe Root to follow his natural instincts as that would bring the best out of him.(Getty Images)

Root’s first assignment as Test skipper will begin at Lord’s on July 6 against South Africa, and Warne believes that the right-handed batsman, just like his attacking batting style, will instill England from the outset with attacking intent.

(Read | Alastair Cook says relationship with England skipper Joe Root will be ‘fine’)

“I think he (Root) has a bit more flair than Alastair Cook,” cricket.com.au quoted the King of Spin as saying.

Warne had been a notable critic of Cook in the early stages of the opener’s record-breaking stint as captain, and although he thinks the left-handed batsman has a lot of strengths, Root will be able to lead in a whole new way.

(Read | Ben Stokes’ IPL success crucial for England’s Champions Trophy chances: Joe Root)

“I was very critical of Alastair Cook at the start because he wasn’t making runs either, and I didn’t think he captained the side that well. But that was three or four years ago. “I hope Joe Root will be a little bit more aggressive and try and win games, rather than make sure they don’t lose them,” he said.

“Alastair Cook had a lot of strengths ... (but) I think (Root) will be a lot different tactically,” the Australian added.

Cook had earlier this year stepped down as England’s Test captain after a record 59 matches in charge. Following his tour to the subcontinent, which included a maiden Test defeat against Bangladesh and culminated with a 0-4 loss in the five-Test series against India, the left-handed had faced a lot of criticism.

(Read | Joe Root stars as England beat Ireland in 2nd ODI at Lord’s to whitewash series)

“Even recently in India, England had a great chance to win that first Test but batted too long,” Warne said.

The 47-year-old maintained that it has been England’s problem where they have batted a bit too long so that they don’t lose the game and ultimately lose the opportunity to win the game.

“That’s been a bit of a sign with England, where they’ve just batted a bit too long (so) they can’t lose the game,” he said.

“I hope Root will be a little bit more: ‘We’re going to try and win this.’ I think Alastair Cook got better - no one is their best version of themselves as captain when they start,” he added.

(Read | Dale Steyn rules himself out of South Africa’s England tour)

Warne expects England’s coaches to allow Root to follow his natural instincts as that would bring out the best out of him.

“I think it will bring the best out in him, he will enjoy it. I’m excited to see the way he (does it),” the 47-year-old said.

“I hope (it’s) like the way he bats. He’s aggressive, and takes the game on - he likes to be positive all of the time - so I hope that rubs off in his captaincy,” he added.

After the three-match Test series against the Proteas, England will next face the West Indies and towards the end of the year there is the Ashes.