England starts Test series against Pakistan with Root as captain
Sky Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 18, 2026, 8:46 AM
Last updated Aug 18, 2026

Joe Root resumes captaincy of the England Test team as they face Pakistan in a three-match series starting today at Headingley. The match marks the beginning of a new era following Ben Stokes' retirement from international cricket. England aims to combine elements of the previous 'Bazball' approach with a more nuanced strategy under Root's leadership. The first ball is scheduled for 11am and the match is available for live viewing on Sky Sports.
- •England plays Pakistan in a three-Test series
- •Joe Root returns as Test captain after previously leading from 2017-2022
- •Ben Stokes is absent due to retirement; Dan Lawrence replaces him
- •Stephen Fleming will become the permanent coach later this year
- •Match begins today at Headingley at 11am
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