Joe Root stays on as England Test captain with Thorpe latest to be axed

Joe Root has been backed to continue as England Test captain by Sir Andrew Strauss, who is eager to put the right structure around him following a dismal Ashes series.

Chris Silverwood, Ashley Giles and now Graham Thorpe have lost their jobs in the wake of the 4-0 loss to Australia, but there is little time for reflection with a red-ball tour of West Indies set to begin on 8 March.

Strauss is charged with appointing an interim head coach for the three Tests in the Caribbean, but ruled out remaining a part of the England and Wales Cricket Board set-up any longer than his initial short-term position as managing director of England men’s cricket.

He said at Lord’s on Friday: “It’s probably worth saying at this stage that Joe Root will be captaining the side in the West Indies. Having spoken to him it is absolutely clear the extent of his commitment to moving this England Test team forward. He’s got incredible motivation and energy to do that.

“He’s bruised, hugely disappointed by what went on in the Ashes and I think it goes without saying there are many others in the same boat on that one, but he has the respect of the players, they all play for him and obviously he sets a magnificent example both on and off the field. I’m very happy to give him my support and make sure we have the right structure around him to take pressure off him and make sure he can do his job.”

Former Test captain Strauss is eager to announce the touring party for West Indies as soon as possible with players and staff set to fly out on 24 February. The Surrey director of cricket Alec Stewart has emerged as a leading candidate for the interim position of head coach, but there is no preferred person for the role yet.

“I don’t think we are at that stage,