Joe Root Returns as England Captain, Vows to Build on Stokes Era Rather Than Rip It Up
Joe Root is back as England Test captain, and the message from the man himself is clear: evolution, not revolution.
Root, who previously led England from 2017 to 2022 before handing the role to Ben Stokes, has returned to the post for the Pakistan series starting at Headingley. The Athletic reported last month that Root was the only candidate England seriously considered to succeed Stokes, who retired from international cricket ahead of this series. The Athletic
The changes around Root are significant. Brendon McCullum has been removed from his role as red-ball head coach. Stephen Fleming has been appointed as his replacement but will not take charge until after the Pakistan series, leaving Marcus Trescothick to fill in on an interim basis. Root said he has been in "constant contact" with Fleming about the road ahead. The Guardian
Rather than tearing up the aggressive template that Stokes and McCullum built, Root sees only small adjustments needed. "It's not about ripping it up," he said. Root also pushed back on the idea that there is one correct way to play Test cricket, insisting teams must adapt to match situations rather than stick rigidly to a single style.
Root spoke warmly of Stokes, describing him as "ever present for the best part of 15 years" and saying his absence leaves "a big void to fill." He declined to speculate on whether Stokes might return, saying simply: "Who knows? That's a question for Ben."
Pakistan, meanwhile, arrive without their talisman. Babar Azam was ruled out of the first Test with a right hand injury sustained during Pakistan's warm-up match at Beckenham. Salman Ali Agha will step in as captain at Headingley. Pakistan have not won a Test series away from home since 2023.
For England, Dan Lawrence is expected to bat at No 6, effectively filling the all-rounder's slot Stokes occupied. England had not named their XI at the time of writing, but their seam options are extensive. Josh Tongue and Gus Atkinson played in the Hundred final for Manchester Super Giants on the weekend and were at training on Tuesday. They join Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, Matthew Fisher, Sam Cook and Ollie Robinson in the fast-bowling pool.
England have recent history on their side in this fixture. They swept Pakistan 3-0 on their last Test meeting in 2022, a series played in Rawalpindi, Multan and Karachi. ECB
For fans, the fascination lies in how Root blends continuity with his own instincts. He captained England 64 times in his first stint and was vice-captain to Stokes during the transformation. Now the job is his again, without Stokes in the dressing room and without McCullum in the coaches' box. The Stokes-McCullum partnership redefined how England played Test cricket. Root's challenge is to keep the best of it while stamping his own mark.
