July 25, 16:45

Joe Root likely to return as England Test captain after Ben Stokes retires

Joe Root is expected to lead the England Test team again as the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) nears the appointment of him as Ben Stokes' successor following his announcement of retirement from international cricket.

Root's Return to Team Leadership

Root, who previously captained England in the longest format before handing the role to Stokes in 2022, is preparing for a second term in leadership. His appointment will mark the conclusion of the ECB's search for a new Test captain ahead of the three-match home series against Pakistan next month.

If appointed, his first full assignment will be the England tour Test series against South Africa. Furthermore, he is expected to lead the team in a day-night ODI against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, which will be a landmark event celebrating 150 years of Test cricket, following England's tour of Bangladesh.

Changes in Coaching Staff

The ECB is also finalizing coaching plans after Brendan McCullum stepped down as head coach of the red-ball team. The report adds that current bowling coach Marcus Trescothick is the leading candidate for the interim head coach role for the series against Pakistan, starting August 19th.

Although the ECB may still appoint a permanent coach before that date, Trescothick is currently considered the favourite to lead the three-match series. Richard Dawson, the current head coach of Glamorgan, is also expected to join the coaching staff as an assistant, while remaining under consideration for a permanent position.

www.aajtak.inJuly 24, 16:06

After Ben Stokes' departure, Joe Root will lead England again, becoming captain for the fourth time in four years

England batsman Joe Root will once again captain the national team in test tournament matches. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has decided to rely on experienced Root again after Ben Stokes announced the end of his international career.

New Team Leadership

According to reports, Root will lead the team in a three-match series against Pakistan starting on August 19. There is also a possibility that he will remain captain until the 2027 Ashes.

Change in Leadership and Legacy

Ben Stokes recently bid farewell to international cricket after a series against New Zealand. Along with head coach Brendon McCullum, he transformed England's play in Test cricket using the 'Bazball' style. Under his leadership, the team achieved memorable victories against strong opponents such as New Zealand, Pakistan, and South Africa.

Root's Previous Experience

Joe Root previously led the England Test team from 2017 to 2022. During this period, he managed the team in 64 matches, winning 27 of them. However, he stepped down as captain following defeats against Australia and West Indies.

Root's Importance to the Team

At 35 years old, Root remains the backbone of England's attack over the last four years. He surpassed Alastair Cook's record to become England's leading run-scorer in Test cricket and is among the top players in Test cricket history by total runs scored. Given his impressive form and experience, the ECB decided to entrust him with leading the team once more.