England’s defeat to the West Indies at the T20 World Cup has sparked fresh debate over selection decisions.

Questions have been raised about how the side handled spin and whether the balance of the team is right for the conditions.

Former England great Sir Geoffrey Boycott has now voiced his concerns. He cannot understand why Joe Root is missing from the squad.

Sir Geoffrey Boycott says Joe Root should be in England’s T20 squad

Boycott was emphatic in his view that Root should be involved. He wrote: “Our best England batsman on spinning pitches, Joe Root, is in England.”

He pointed to Root’s recent franchise performances in similar conditions.

“Last year, he batted and bowled superbly for Paarl Royals in the SA T20. The pitch in Paarl is slow, low and spins.”

Boycott also highlighted Root’s all-round contribution. “Nobody could hit his bowling, and he scored at over a run a ball. The other Batsmen played around him.”

His argument is rooted in conditions and control rather than power hitting.

Could Joe Root replace Tom Banton at number four?

One potential change would see Root slot in at number four, a role currently occupied by Tom Banton.

The Somerset batter is known for his aggressive approach and boundary-hitting.

However, Banton has struggled for runs in this tournament. He scored two against Nepal and two against the West Indies.

Root offers a different profile. He is not the same explosive hitter, but his ability to rotate strike and manage spin could provide stability in the middle overs.

In conditions that reward patience and technique, Boycott’s suggestion may carry weight.