Joe Root set for England Test captaincy return following Ben Stokes’ retirement
New Delhi: Joe Root is expected to lead England’s Test team once again after Ben Stokes announced his retirement from international cricket. The former captain is likely to return to the role as the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) looks for experience and stability during an important period for the Test side.
According to The Athletic, the ECB is expected to appoint Root as captain for England’s upcoming three-match Test series against Pakistan, which begins on August 19. The report also suggests Root could remain in charge beyond that series and continue as captain during next year’s Ashes campaign.
Stokes brought an end to his international career after England’s recent Test series against New Zealand. His four-year spell as captain changed the team’s approach to red-ball cricket, with the aggressive ‘Bazball’ style introduced alongside former head coach Brendon McCullum. Under their leadership, England secured memorable Test series wins over New Zealand, Pakistan and South Africa while making the longest format more exciting to watch.
Root brings experience back to role
Root knows exactly what comes with leading England in Test cricket. He captained the side in 64 Tests between 2017 and 2022 before stepping down after a difficult period that included disappointing overseas tours in Australia and the West Indies. Despite those struggles, he still finished his first spell as captain with 27 Test victories.
The 35-year-old has continued to be England’s most reliable batter since giving up the captaincy. During that time, he overtook Sir Alastair Cook to become England’s highest Test run-scorer and also moved into the top five on the list of the highest run-getters in Test cricket.
ECB looks for stability
Root also showed he remains a trusted leader when he captained England in the second Test against New Zealand while Stokes was unavailable because of a disciplinary investigation. That brief return reportedly strengthened the ECB’s belief that he is the right person to guide the team during this transition.
Although Harry Brook remains England’s vice-captain and is widely viewed as a future leader, the ECB appears keen to let the Yorkshire batter focus on his cricket before handing him the responsibility permanently. If reports are accurate, Root’s return would give England an experienced captain as the team prepares for a busy schedule and another Ashes challenge.