Joe Root reappointed as England Test captain despite criticism

Joe Root has been reappointed as England Test captain by the England and Wales Cricket Board, replacing Ben Stokes ahead of the three-match Test series against Pakistan starting August 19, 2026. Mark Butcher criticized the decision, calling it a "retrograde step" given Root's previous struggles as captain, where he led England to only one victory in his final 17 matches. The ECB's decision was influenced by a lack of alternatives after Stokes's unexpected retirement. Root, the second highest run-scorer in Test history, had previously stepped down from the captaincy due to the toll it took on his performance and well-being.