London — Joe Root came out fighting after Australia retained the Ashes with a thrilling victory in the fourth Test at Old Trafford on Sunday but questions remain about his effectiveness as captain.

The 28-year-old cut a rather forlorn figure as Australia celebrated moving 2-1 ahead in the series but insists he is still the right man to lead England forward. This week’s Oval Test offers Root the chance to at least avoid becoming the first England captain to lose a home series against Australia since Mike Atherton suffered that fate in 2001 — a result that prompted his international retirement...

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