“I’m sure he will consider all options and make a very sensible and good decision”

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England pace bowler Stuart Broad has backed director of cricket Andrew Strauss to choose the right candidate to replace Alastair Cook as Test captain.

Cook resigned from the position on Monday and while Joe Root is considered to be the frontrunner as he has been England’s vice-captain in the longest format for the last 18 months, there are other names coming into the fray.

Broad admitted that Cook was one of England’s greatest captains ever, but stopped short of revealing whether he is entering the race to replace him.

“That’s a decision for Strauss, James Whittaker and the selectors,” Broad told Sky Sports. “The great thing about the next Test match not being till July against South Africa, is there is no real rush to make the decision.

“I thought Cooky was very wise to take his time and not make an emotional decision. But the selfless man he is, he decided this team maybe needed a new man, a new energy, a new direction.

“He will go down as one of England’s most successful ever captains, with two Ashes series wins behind him, plus winning away in India and South Africa.

“A fantastic man to play under and hopefully we can still play a lot more together.

“I’ve played for England a long time now – over 10 years – and so as a senior player, I think its important when you make big decisions about the team moving forward, you are consulted.

“Andrew is probably one of the best decision-makers I’ve ever played with when he was captain, and now he has moved in at the top of English cricket. I’m sure he will consider all options and make a very sensible and good decision for the team.”

On Thursday, Broad was one of three players to speak to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) about the Test captaincy. The other two players that met with the board were Root and Ben Stokes.