JASON GILLESPIE is the red-hot favourite to become England’s next head coach and Joe Root has backed his county boss to turn this country’s fortunes around.

Andrew Strauss’ first item of business on taking office as England’s new cricket director last week was to remove Peter Moores after an unhappy second stint at the helm.

A disappointing series draw in the West Indies was the final straw for Moores, who also oversaw England’s miserable group stage exit from the World Cup.

Former Aussie paceman Gillespie has drawn praise for his work at Yorkshire, leading Root and his White Rose teammates to the County Championship crown last year.

Root, who was this week promoted to the Test vice-captaincy by Strauss, knows first-hand what makes Gillespie the prime candidate with an Ashes series around the corner.

“I've loved working with Jason at Yorkshire, so I’d love to do so for England,” said Root, who was speaking at an event organised by LV= who are supporting the next generation of cricketing talent in the LV= County Championships.

“People have to make decisions that are completely out of my hands. Of course his experience at international level is going to be a benefit but he's great with everyone in and around the squad.

“He keeps things simple and you've seen what a good job he has done with Yorkshire.

“His enthusiasm always comes across in his coaching – he loves what he's doing and passes that on to you through his team talks and the way he coaches.

“You catch that vibe off him and take it into the games. Regardless of what level you are, he has a very good way with everyone in the dressing room.”

The two-Test series against New Zealand, which starts next week, will be the first look at Strauss’ new era, but it’s in the Ashes later this summer that Strauss and his appointments will be truly judged.

Root says the only way to silence the doubters and try and re-engage the English public is by winning games. “I think Andrew Strauss has a big role to play in England’s future and it is going to be really interesting to see how things develop.

“It’s an exciting summer coming up. We’ve got some tough opposition coming here and his experience can only help.”

Root has been promoted to vice-captain this summer instead of previous incumbent Ian Bell.

While Alastair Cook’s leadership has come in for criticism during England’s miserable last 18 months, the 24-year-old Root insists he is the right man to learn from.

“There are not many better players to learn under than Cooky,” he said. “Ever since I’ve come into the team, he’s been our leader.

“I’ll be there to support him and to make his life a little bit easier.”

Joe Root was speaking at the filming of the LV = Broken Through video. To keep up to date with the LV= County Championship, visit LV.com/cricket or follow @LV_Cricket on Twitter.