ANDREW Gale insists Joe Root has all the attributes needed to make a success of the England Test captaincy.

Root, who Gale likened to the Milky Bar kid in the early stages of his Yorkshire career, will not be afraid to attack and be innovative, according to the White Rose head coach.

The 26-year-old first debuted for the county in 2009 and becomes the 10th Yorkshireman to captain England in Tests.

“To have one of our own, a Yorkie, captaining the country, we’re immensely proud of Joe,” said former team-mate Gale.

“He’s a cheeky chap is Joe. He’s bubbly around the dressing room, he’s an infectious character, but ultimately he’s got the respect of all his team-mates.

“When he speaks about cricket, everyone listens.

“That will stand him in good stead when he takes over from Alastair (Cook) in his first Test.

“He doesn’t take himself too serious, and he thrives under the pressure.

“We can see the way he’s performed over the last few years, leading the batsmen of England. The form he’s been in, he thrives in leading from the front.

“I think he’ll be a fantastic captain for England.

“Him captaining the side, we’re going to see a different brand of cricket from England.

“He’s very attack minded, but he’s willing to think outside the box as well and tinker with his field and bowlers.”

Root has only captained Yorkshire in three County Championship matches, but he has been labelled as a Future England Captain for a number of years.

“I think he was (destined to be England captain),” said Gale.

“I remember him making his one-day debut against Essex. He was a small young lad who looked like the Milky Bar kid and couldn’t get the ball off the square. Since then, he’s learnt very quickly.

“He’s a very level-headed character. That’s been one of his strengths.

“Whether he gets out for none or he gets a double hundred, he’s still the same Joe Root around the dressing room.

“I think that’s what you need to be as a captain because that rubs off on your team-mates. That will be really good for him.”