Joe Root could step down as captain after England's shambolic display in Ashes

England captain Joe Root could relinquish Test captaincy after third straight loss in the ongoing Ashes. Things quickly went downhill for the visitors in the third Test as they lost the match by an innings and 14 runs in Melbourne. Australia pacer Scott Boland’s insane bowling in the morning session of Day 3 bundled out England for just 68 runs. At one point of the Boxing Day Test match, the visitors had a chance of making a comeback, when they managed to restrict Australia to 267 in the first innings. However, a batting meltdown in the second innings ensured a humiliating loss for England. The visitors have also lost the Ashes, with two games yet to be played.

Root has had a terrific year with the bat but has got no support from other batters. The team's performance this year has been shambolic, to say the least. England started the year with a series win in Sri Lanka but lost to India in India and New Zealand in England. Later, they also lost two of the four Test matches against India in England.

Root has contributed heavily with the bat for England, ending the year with 1708 Test runs. The next best is Rory Burns, who is a staggering 1,178 runs behind Root.

The England skipper has lacked support from the rest of the batters throughout 2021. In the ongoing Ashes as well, he is the top run-scorer for the team with 253 runs. England's poor run under Root has raised questions over his future as England captain.

Cricketer-turned-expert Jonathan Agnew in BBC Test Match Special said that he would be surprised if Root continues to lead England. "I would be surprised if Joe Root continues as captain," he said. "I saw a very tired figure down there just now."

The next Ashes Test will be played from Wednesday (January 05) in Sydney.