Broad coy over England captaincy

Stuart Broad gave little away when asked on Friday if he wants to replace Alastair Cook as England Test captain.

It is understood England director of cricket Andrew Strauss has spoken with Broad, clear favourite Joe Root and Ben Stokes about the role.

"No, not specifically," Broad responded when asked if he had thrown his hat into the ring.

"I've played for England a long time now, I think over 10 years. As a senior player you're always going to share views to coaches and talk to hierarchies about how the team should move forward.

"I think it's always important when you make a big decision about the team moving forward that players who've been involved and who you see leading the team forward in the next few years are consulted.

"Look, Andrew Strauss is probably one of the best decision-makers I've ever played with, when he was captain, and now he's moved into the top of English cricket I'm sure he will consider all options and make a very sensible and good decision."

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Root remains the favourite to replace Cook, who announced his resignation on Monday after four-and-a-half years in charge.

But Strauss indicated talks would be held with multiple candidates and discussions took place with Root, Stokes and Broad on Thursday.

The meetings, however, were informal in their nature, with Strauss looking to gauge views on who should succeed Cook, as well as the trio's own interest in taking on the captaincy.

It is expected that formal interviews will take place next week.

The new captain will be announced before England's one-day squad fly out to the Caribbean on February 22 for three matches against the West Indies.

His first Test in charge will come against South Africa at Lord's in July, which will be the first of a four-match series. A three-match home series against West Indies follows before England's greatest challenge, an away Ashes series, begins in Brisbane in November.