Joe Root feels grateful to be kept on as England captain after Ashes thrashing

Joe Root expressed his gratitude at being given the chance to continue as England captain despite another Ashes mauling and hopes a new-look side can rebound quickly in the West Indies.

Director of cricket Ashley Giles, head coach Chris Silverwood and assistant Graham Thorpe were all axed following a 4-0 loss in Australia but Root escaped the bloodletting and will preside over the three-Test tour of the Caribbean.

Root was given a vote of confidence by acting director of cricket Sir Andrew Strauss but the Yorkshireman accepted the decision could easily have gone the other way as he conveyed his regret for those who have moved on.

“It’s never nice when you see people that you’ve worked closely with for a long period of time lose their jobs,” said Root. “They’ve given a huge amount to English cricket. I really hope they find something that fulfils them.

“Clearly it was a disappointing tour and we massively underperformed. Off the back of it we have to use this opportunity for a fresh start. I’m very grateful that I’ve got the opportunity to do that as captain.

“It was a decision that was completely out of my hands in many respects. I’m very passionate about trying to take this team forward. This is a great opportunity to move things on again.”

England head to the Windies without either of their top two leading Test wicket-takers of all-time as James Anderson and Stuart Broad, despite a combined 1,177 scalps, surprisingly find themselves surplus to requirements.

Seamers Saqib Mahmood and Matt Fisher and leg-spinner Matt Parkinson are the bowlers who could make their Test bows on the trip as England try to arrest a dismal run in the format that has seen them win one of their last 14 games.

While Root acknowledged England are