England skipper Joe Root wants to remain at the helm despite conceding the Ashes on home shores after 18 years via a 185-run loss to Australia in the fourth Test at Old Trafford this Sunday (September 8). 

It is under Root only that England lost the Ashes during 2017/18 Aussie summer after a humiliating 4-0 series loss down under. And now his team is behind 2-1 at home with a game to a spare at The Oval. 

Root's tactics have been widely questioned and he hasn't been piling them up with the willow either to attract genuine criticism. 

However, the 28-year-old is unfazed and when asked after the Manchester Test whether he has any doubts about continuing in his role in the future, said: "Definitely, yes."

"Whenever you lose a series it hurts and I have to take that on the chin. It's still very raw. You have to look at areas you want to get better at, both in yourself and as a team."

"But I have been given a fantastic opportunity to captain the Test side and will continue to work very hard doing my best at that. That is in my control and I have to make sure I keep getting this team in the best shape to win as many games as possible," he added. 

This was also England's first defeat at Old Trafford since 2001. 

Meanwhile, Root further said England will definitely be looking to level the series 2-2 at The Oval and gain crucial points towards standings in the inaugural World Test Championship cycle. 

"It's important to look at next week. We have an important Test match against Australia and we have to make sure we finish this summer strong: do not lose this Ashes series."

"We have the Test championship to play for, do not lose this Ashes series. It matters to me, it matters to everyone involved."

"I know the Ashes are not coming home but in terms of the Test championship, at the end of the two-year cycle those points could be crucial. Every game against Australia matters," he concluded. 

(Inputs from AFP)