When Cook stepped down Anderson went for the job and got short shift from the plan which was always to make Root captain, that was a couple of years ago so as Anderson is injured now, could he of done the job for 2-3 years maybe until the point we are at now? I think he could of and see no issue with a bowler as captain. instead we have Root who as most of us have said is not really ideal, mainly as his batting is affected, second because he's just not a good captain-not his fault not everyone can be.
Archer I'm convinced has not been handled well and will be a short form bowler in the future,if you look back we have had precious few genuinely quick bowlers over the years- and they have not had that long bowling genuine pace.
Flintoff
Harmison
Jones
Wood
Archer
Stone.
I do think also a lot depends on the pitches, where are the quick tracks around the world where someone touching 90 mph can really operate?
None in the West Indies
Havnt seen one in South Africa
India no
Pakistan no
Australia? Where is really quick..Perth used to be maybe put that in
England ?'the Oval? Not really any more.
Fast bowlers lot is a tough one, Wood can get it thru but how many games has he played, Stone the same-quick but injuries are round the corner.
I think going forward we may need 6 bowlers...Broad,Anderson,Woakes,Wood,Stokes.....it's an ageing attack and we may have to cover some players in hot conditions abroad.
Archer is good but he won't do a lot of bowling...and maybe he shouldn't be bowling 25 overs a day anyway.