Joe Root, the star English batter, is back in charge of England’s Test team, and his second spell as captain will begin with a demanding home series against Pakistan. The first Test starts at Headingley on August 19, bringing Root back to the role he held for five years between 2017 and 2022. He takes over from Ben Stokes, who has retired from international cricket, at a time when England are also dealing with a change in their coaching staff.
Root’s return is not just about filling a vacant captaincy. England are entering a new phase, with Stephen Fleming appointed as the new Test head coach and Marcus Trescothick taking temporary charge for the Pakistan series.
Root Returns to the Captain’s Chair
Root was England’s Test captain from 2017 until April 2022. During that period, he led the side in a record 64 Tests and won 27 of them. He stepped down after the series defeat in the Caribbean, with Stokes taking over soon afterwards.
Now, more than four years later, Root has agreed to take the job again. The decision comes after Stokes’ retirement and a difficult period for England’s Test side. England lost six of their last eight Tests before the Pakistan series, leaving Root with plenty to sort out from the start.
Root did get a brief taste of captaincy again earlier this summer when Stokes was unavailable for the second Test against New Zealand. That experience appears to have helped him settle into the idea of leading the side again.
At 35, Root also brings something England badly need during this transition: experience. He remains the team’s most established Test batter and will now have to balance his own batting with the demands of leading a changing dressing room.
Stephen Fleming Was a Major Factor
One of the more interesting parts of Root’s return is the man who will eventually coach him.
Stephen Fleming has been appointed England’s permanent Test head coach on a four-year deal. The former New Zealand captain has also enjoyed a hugely successful coaching career, most notably with Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League.
Root has said Fleming was a major reason behind his decision to accept the captaincy again. The England batter has spoken highly of Fleming’s leadership and understanding of the game.
There is, however, a slight delay before the two formally begin their working relationship.
Fleming will not take charge during the Pakistan series because of existing family commitments. Trescothick will therefore oversee England for all three Tests before Fleming takes over later in the year.
England Make Several Changes for Pakistan
England have named a 16-player squad for the first two Tests, with several familiar names returning. Ollie Pope is back after being left out following the Ashes defeat. Dan Lawrence has also returned to the Test side for the first time since 2024 after putting together a strong County Championship season. Sam Cook remains involved after making his Test debut against Zimbabwe. Brydon Carse and Ollie Robinson are also back in the group.
The biggest selection headache came when Jacob Bethell was ruled out with a knee injury. Bethell had been expected to occupy the No. 3 position, but Jordan Cox has now been handed that responsibility.
Cox made his Test debut against New Zealand earlier this summer, batting at No. 7. Moving him into the top three against Pakistan will be a very different challenge. England’s pace options include Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, Ollie Robinson, Brydon Carse, Matthew Fisher and Sam Cook. The selectors have clearly chosen plenty of seam-bowling cover for the series.
Pakistan Series Schedule
The three-Test series is part of the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle. The opening Test will be played at Headingley from August 19 to 23. The teams then move to Lord’s for the second Test from August 27 to 31, before the series finishes at Edgbaston from September 9 to 13.
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Root Has a Different Job This Time
England still want to play attacking Test cricket, but Root has made it clear that he does not intend to throw away the style developed under Stokes and Brendon McCullum. His role will be to bring his own judgement to that approach rather than completely rewrite it. The Pakistan series will show whether that balance works.
Root has already achieved almost everything possible as an England batter. Now he has accepted another leadership challenge at a time when the team is searching for stability.
His second era begins on August 19. This time, England will hope the story ends very differently from the first.
