Sport: Cricket Country: England Category: General

Joe Root reappointed as England Test captain despite criticism

Sky Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 30, 2026, 1:56 PM

Last updated Jul 30, 2026

Joe Root reappointed as England Test captain despite criticism

Summary

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.

Source Links

Sky Sports

Status Watch

•Joe Root returns as England Test captain on July 30, 2026.
•He replaces Ben Stokes, who has retired from international cricket.
•Mark Butcher criticized Root's reappointment as a detrimental choice.
•Root had a record of one win in his last 17 matches as captain.
•England's Test series against Pakistan begins at Headingley on August 19.

What they're saying

"
Mark Butcher has criticised the decision to reappoint Joe Root as England captain, describing his return to the position as "a retrograde step" for the Test side.
— Sky Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

England Cricket