Joe Root Pledges to Build on England’s Progress in Second Spell as Captain

Joe Root says he wants to carry forward the positive culture England have built in recent years as he takes the Test captaincy for a second time. He steps in after Ben Stokes’ surprise retirement following England’s 2-1 Test series loss to New Zealand earlier this year. Stephen Fleming, the former New Zealand captain, has also been appointed Test head coach in place of Brendon McCullum.

Continuity and evolution

Root said England have done some amazing things since 2022. The plan is to keep much of what worked, evolve where needed and consistently compete with the leading nations.

He first captained England in Tests in 2017 and stood down in 2022. In that spell he led the side in 65 Tests, the most by any England captain, with 27 wins, 27 defeats and 11 draws. Reflecting on the return, he said he is hugely different from the person he was eight years ago, and that his experiences on and off the field should help him lead the team better.

The Fleming factor

Root revealed that Fleming’s appointment was a major reason he took the job. The pair have spoken briefly, and Root said he is excited by Fleming’s vision and the work needed to reach their goals, and that he is looking forward to building something special together.

Fleming, regarded as one of the most successful coaches in world cricket, will formally join the Test setup ahead of the South Africa series in December. Marcus Trescothick will be interim head coach until then, including for the Pakistan series.

England’s next Test assignment starts on August 19 against Pakistan at Headingley, where Root begins his second spell in charge.