Joe Root is expected to take over as England’s Test captain once again, with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) reportedly close to confirming him as Ben Stokes’ successor following Stokes’ retirement from international cricket.

Root previously led England in the longest format before stepping aside in 2022, when Stokes was handed the captaincy. If the appointment is confirmed, the experienced batter will begin a second spell in charge as England prepare for a busy Test calendar.

According to The Athletic, the ECB is nearing the end of its search for a new captain ahead of the three-match home Test series against Pakistan, which gets underway next month.

Root expected to lead until the Ashes

The report states that Root is likely to remain England’s Test captain through next summer’s Ashes series against Australia. Bringing Root back into the role would also allow Harry Brook to focus on England’s white-ball teams. Brook, who currently serves as the Test vice-captain, would avoid the added responsibility of leading the national side across all three international formats.

The decision is expected to provide greater continuity in the Test setup while allowing England’s leadership responsibilities to remain clearly defined.

Experienced batter ready for second spell

Root briefly returned to captaincy duties earlier this year during the second Test against New Zealand at The Oval when Stokes was unavailable.

England were beaten by 253 runs in that match, and the hosts eventually lost the series 2-1. Despite that result, the former skipper is now expected to resume the position on a full-time basis.

Having already led England for several years, Root brings extensive experience to the role as the team prepares for another important cycle of international cricket.

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South Africa tour could be Root’s first assignment

If officially appointed, Root’s first full series as captain is expected to be England’s away Test tour of South Africa.

He is also in line to lead England in the historic day-night Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The match will celebrate the 150th anniversary of Test cricket and is scheduled after England’s tour of Bangladesh.

The fixtures are expected to form a significant part of England’s preparations before the next Ashes campaign.

ECB also working on a new coaching structure

Alongside the captaincy decision, the ECB is continuing its search for a new red-ball head coach following Brendon McCullum’s departure from the role.

According to the report, current batting coach Marcus Trescothick is the leading candidate to serve as interim head coach for the upcoming Pakistan series, which begins on August 19.

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While a permanent appointment remains possible before the series starts, Trescothick is currently viewed as the frontrunner to oversee the team. Meanwhile, Glamorgan head coach Richard Dawson is expected to join the coaching group as an assistant and remains under consideration for the full-time position.

FAQs

Why is Joe Root returning as England’s Test captain?

Joe Root is expected to replace Ben Stokes, who has retired from international cricket.

When could Joe Root’s second stint as Test captain begin?

If confirmed, Root is expected to begin his second spell as captain with England’s upcoming Test assignments, starting with the Pakistan series.