Ashes 2021-22: Joe Root backs Chris Silverwood to continue his role despite humiliating display Down Under

Right from skipper Joe Root to English head coach Chris Silverwood, all have come under huge scrutiny for the team’s dismal performance in the ongoing Ashes. England, who are already 0-3 down in the Ashes, gave in their all to draw the fourth contest at Sydney. However, ahead of the closing contest, Root has backed under-fire Silverwood to continue his job.

It has to be noted that Silverwood would be joining the squad after missing the fourth Test as he had to isolate himself while returning positive reports for COVID-19. Root backed his head coach by stating that this has been a difficult week for players with him not being around but they need to put a fine performance in the final game.

“Yes, I would. It was a difficult week for the group of players with him not being around and it must have been very difficult for him. Given the performances we put in during the first three games, I feel we’ve let him and the coaches down. We’ve not played anywhere near the level we’re capable of. It’s a chance to do that this week,” said Root as quoted by India Today.

Silverwood is very calm and he has the respect of the guys in the group: Joe Root

Root’s future as an English Test skipper also came under question after they suffered humiliation Down Under wherein Ben Stokes is in talks as his viable replacement. In the same light, Root brushed off the talks around Silverwood and added how he has great dressing room support in order to keep doing his job in the future.

“He (Silverwood) is very calm and he has the respect of the guys in the group. He has got desperation to see everyone do well and up-skill the players as best he can. For a long time, we’ve not been able to put our best teams out because we’ve been constantly trying to make sure, from a mental well-being point of view, everyone is looked after properly because of the schedule we’ve dealt with over two years,” he added.