Joe Root bats away queries of role in dropping Anderson and Broad

Joe Root has declined to divulge his role in the decision to drop Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad for the West Indies tour but said it does not shut the door on their record-breaking careers.

On the day Anderson followed Broad by venting his frustration and saying he was “praying” this is not the end, Root was pressed in his first press conference since the Ashes defeat put his own captaincy in doubt on whether he sanctioned the call, despite not having a vote in the selection meeting chaired by Andrew Strauss.

“I don’t think we should have to air every single bit of information,” said Root before the team’s departure for Antigua on Thursday.

“Clearly, it was a discussion point for a long period of time but the decision has been made and we’ve got to look at the squad we have got and how we’re going to beat West Indies. Sometimes we have been slightly too honest and certain things should stay in the room. I think that’s the case with this scenario.

“I’ve spoken to Stuart and Jimmy and they’re obviously disappointed, angry, and Stuart in particular has voiced that quite publicly. And you’d expect that. I’ve got a huge amount of respect for both of them. At no point – it’s been made very clear – no one is saying this is the end for them.”

Like Broad, Anderson is waiting on the appointment of England’s new management team and their views on the subject, while also sharing similar disgruntlement that a “five-minute phone call” from Strauss – temporarily in charge – relayed the news.

The 39-year-old appears determined to plough on, however, telling the BBC’s Tailenders podcast: “I’m praying this isn’t the end. But if I never play for England again, I know I’ve got amazing people around me to support me and that’s really