London, July 24: England batter Joe Root is expected to return as captain of the national Test team following Ben Stokes’ retirement from international cricket, according to media reports.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is likely to confirm Root’s appointment ahead of England’s three-match Test series against Pakistan, scheduled to begin on August 19. If confirmed, Root is expected to lead the side through the upcoming home Ashes series against Australia next year.
The reported decision would allow Harry Brook, currently England’s vice-captain in Tests, to continue leading the country’s white-ball teams as preparations continue for next year’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
England is also in the process of appointing a new Test head coach after ending Brendon McCullum’s tenure in the red-ball format.
Assistant coach Marcus Trescothick is expected to oversee the team on an interim basis during the Pakistan series until a permanent appointment is made.
The leadership changes come after a challenging period for England’s Test side. Ben Stokes announced his retirement during the recently concluded home series against New Zealand, which England lost 2-1.
The team had also suffered a heavy Ashes defeat in Australia earlier this year.
Root previously captained England in Test cricket between 2017 and 2022 before stepping down following a difficult run of results.
Despite that phase, he remains England’s highest run-scorer in Test cricket and is regarded as one of the team’s most experienced players.
Reports suggest the ECB values Root’s leadership and experience as the team looks to regain consistency and rebuild after recent setbacks.
His brief return as stand-in captain during the New Zealand series is believed to have strengthened the board’s confidence in his ability to lead the side once again.
If officially appointed, Root will begin his second stint as England’s Test captain with the Pakistan series, with the long-term objective of preparing the team for the Ashes challenge against Australia.
