England’s former Test captain Joe Root has stepped back into the role for the upcoming three‑match series against Pakistan, insisting he is "as ready as any other England captain" and that he has no intention of tearing down the Bazball framework that has defined the team’s recent approach. Root, who previously led England in a record 65 Tests during his first spell from 2017 to 2022, saw his tenure end after a dismal run of just one victory in 17 matches, a slump that paved the way for Ben Stokes to take over under head coach Brendon McCullum. The Bazball era, characterised by aggressive, positive cricket, initially produced impressive results, but a 2‑1 series loss to New Zealand earlier this summer triggered a cascade of changes.
Stokes announced his retirement from international cricket after the final Test, and McCullum was subsequently dismissed as the red‑ball head coach. In the wake of these departures, Root was asked to reassume the captaincy and has used the opportunity to assess what needs to be tweaked. Speaking ahead of the first Test at Headingley, Root stressed that the core philosophy should remain intact.
"I don’t think there’s a huge amount we need to change. It’s the small things that will make a big difference," he told reporters. He added that the aim is not to rip up the system but to preserve the positive elements that Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum built over several years.
"It’s not about ripping it up, I think it’s about keeping a lot of the good stuff we’ve been doing for a period of time," he said. Root also highlighted the importance of adaptability in Test cricket. "There isn’t one way to play a Test. You have to be flexible and respond to the situation.
The five days present different challenges and you need to adjust to the ebbs and flows," he explained. This perspective reflects a nuanced understanding of the modern game, where aggression must be balanced with patience and strategic nuance. When asked about his own readiness, the 35‑year‑old made it clear that his time away from the captaincy has been valuable. "The landscape is different.
I’m a different player and person than when I first took over," Root said. He pointed to the 60‑plus Tests he has now experienced, noting that this wealth of knowledge gives him a unique viewpoint. "I had time to step away, play in a different environment, under a different coach, different captain, and see the game from a different lens.
In many ways I feel as ready as any other England captain that’s been before; that amount of experience is invaluable," he added. Root expressed genuine excitement about the series, especially because it begins at his home ground, Headingley. "I’m really excited. To start at Headingley is always nice, it’s my home ground.
It’s a very talented group of players capable of doing special things. I’m excited about where we can take this team," he said. The decision to appoint Root over white‑ball skipper Harry Brook, who serves as the Test vice‑captain, was a strategic one.
Brook was overlooked for the second Test against New Zealand at The Oval and will continue as the deputy in the Test side. Root affirmed that his relationship with Brook remains strong.
"Our relationship is exactly as it has been for a long time. Harry and I are good friends and get along well off the field, and we bring out the best in each other on the field," Root explained.
He praised Brook’s contributions in the limited‑overs arena, describing him as a "brilliant leader within the group" whose influence should not be diminished by his lack of a formal captaincy role. Root also acknowledged the void left by Stokes, describing him as a constant presence for fifteen years. "It’s a big void to fill.
He’s been ever present for the best part of 15 years. It’s been different, but we’ve only been together as a full team for a day and a half," he admitted, underscoring the challenge of rebuilding a side that has lost both its charismatic captain and its head coach.
When questioned about his own future beyond this series, especially with a home Ashes series potentially on the horizon for 2027, Root was non‑committal. "Who knows? That’s a question for Ben. We need to look after the here and now, and that’s this series," he said, signalling that his focus remains on the immediate task.
On the opposition side, Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam will miss the series opener due to a finger injury. After being struck on the right hand by a West Indies delivery earlier in the month and then suffering a further blow from England Under‑19 pacer Manny Lumsden in a tour match, Babar was forced to retire hurt. Although medical scans cleared him of a fracture, swelling remains, and head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed confirmed that Salman Ali Agha will stand in as captain at Headingley. "Babar Azam is not available, Salman will be captain.
It’s not broken, there is a little bit of swelling on the finger. Hopefully he will be available for the second Test," Ahmed said. Babar’s absence is a significant setback for Pakistan, as he is not only their leader but also one of their most prolific batsmen, boasting nine Test centuries and a career average of 43.68. With Babar sidelined, Pakistan are likely to call up Saud Shakeel, who missed the West Indies series, to bolster the batting line‑up.
Cricket analyst James Cole summed up the situation for England, describing Root’s return as "old shoes for Joe Root; he’s got all the experience behind him and he seemed relaxed." He noted that England are in the midst of a rebuilding phase after losing seven of their last ten Tests, parting ways with McCullum, and seeing Stokes retire. The team now faces a blend of seasoned players and newcomers, such as Emilio Gay, who has only three Tests under his belt, and Jordan Cox, a rookie at number three with limited experience. Dan Lawrence’s recall adds a spin‑all‑rounder option, though he has not played a Test in two years. Cole concluded, "It’s fair to say Root has got a lot on his hands, but he’s up for the challenge." The first Test between England and Pakistan will kick off at Headingley on Wednesday, with live coverage on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event beginning at 10:15 am (first ball at 11 am).
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