No more than 10 minutes after India won the second test on Monday, Steven Gerrard removed his captain’s armband and announced his retirement from the England national team. 

Alastair Cook could not have thanked Gerrard for his timing to announce his decision. 

Despite the football team’s dismal performance at the World Cup, and clear signs of Gerrard’s own decline in Brazil, the debate over his future never got going quite like it has with Cook. 

With persistent complaints over his decisions in the field coupled with his poor batting form —he has averaged 23.04 over 13 Tests in the past 12 months — it might get tougher yet for the Essex cricketer. 

That is, unless, England or Cook act fast. 

There exist a few strong candidates in the current setup who could likely replace him. 

Ian Bell: The favourite, the wristy batsman is finally an established member of the squad — but England are at risk of soon finding themselves in the same position as they are now. 

Considering Bell’s poor form of late, going past fifty just twice this summer (both against Sri Lanka) and failing to turn up when needed, they ought to look elsewhere. 

Joe Root: At 23, it would undoubtedly be bold of England. But Root’s earned his place in this side, scoring runs at an impressive rate — and it’s true he’s been let down by his teammates. 

It would be a move which would echo South Africa’s highly successful — but, at the time, controversial — decision to award Graeme Smith the captaincy at just 22 years old in 2003.

James Anderson: It’s difficult to understand why so few have mentioned the newly dubbed “Burnley Lara” (after his recent performances with the bat).  

He’s as important as anyone in that side — and he’s well liked. 

While bowlers aren’t typically fancied as captains, Broad is proof that England are willing to be open-minded. 

And who knows how to order a field better than the team’s senior bowler?