Joe Root will be England’s Test captain for the Ashes in Australia in the winter of 2021/22, so let’s get behind him.

That is the message from Yorkshire director of cricket Martyn Moxon ahead of the second Test Match against New Zealand in Hamilton, starting on Friday (Thursday night UK, 10pm).

Root’s position as skipper has come under question amidst a barren run of form with the bat.

Despite four half-centuries in the drawn summer Ashes series in England, the White Rose star’s lack of a Test century since February in the West Indies and two low scores in the recent defeat against the Kiwis at Mount Maunganui has led to whispers about his suitability as skipper.

He scored two and 11 as England went 1-0 down in a two-match series, getting out to two indecisive strokes, and had to field questions about his leadership future in the media.

But Moxon said: “The England set-up are going to back Rooty to be their captain in Australia in two years. I think it’s important everyone gets behind him and supports him because he’s the best man for the job.

“For his sake, hopefully he can get a big hundred in this Test and put the grumblings to bed.”

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