Root to bring back aggression: Warne

Shane Warne expects new captain Joe Root to change the way England play Test cricket.

Root will lead England for the first time at Lord's on July 6 against South Africa, and Warne believes Alastair Cook's successor will imbue his team from the outset with attacking intent.

All-time great Warne was a notable critic of Cook in the early stages of the opener's record-breaking stint as captain, and although he concedes improvements did come, the former Australia leg-spinner still anticipates Root's style will be a whole new ball game.

Asked about Root's likely approach to his high-profile new job, Warne said: "I think he has a bit more flair than Alastair Cook."

Basing his opinion on the Yorkshireman's pro-active attitude to batting in all formats, he added: "Alastair Cook had a lot of strengths ... (but) I think (Root) will be a lot different tactically."

Even towards the very end of Cook's national-record 59 Tests as captain, in the 4-0 series defeat against India last winter, Warne saw evidence that old habits were dying hard.

"Even recently in India, England had a great chance to win that first Test but batted too long," he said.

"That's been a bit of a sign with England, where they've just batted a bit too long (so) they can't lose the game.

"I hope Root will be a little bit more: 'We're going to try and win this.'

"I think Alastair Cook got better - no one is their best version of themselves as captain when they start.

"I was very critical of Alastair Cook at the start because he wasn't making a run either, and I didn't think he captained the side that well. But that was three or four years ago.

"I hope Joe Root will be a little bit more aggressive and try and win games, rather than make sure they don't lose them."

Either way, Warne is looking forward to watching the new incumbent in action as captain, and expects England's coaches to allow him the freedom to follow his instincts.

"I think it will bring the best out in him, he will enjoy it. I'm excited to see the way he (does it)," the 47-year-old said.

"I hope (it's) like the way he bats.

"He's aggressive, and takes the game on - he likes to be positive all of the time - so I hope that rubs off in his captaincy."

Root cannot afford yet to focus exclusively on his captaincy plans because, before this summer's seven Test matches against South Africa and West Indies, England face an acid test of their new limited-overs capabilities in next month's Champions Trophy.

And then there is the small matter of the Ashes at the end of the year.