Joe Root returns as England captain against Pakistan at Headingley
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 18, 2026, 4:41 PM
Last updated Aug 18, 2026
Joe Root resumes his role as England captain as the team prepares to face Pakistan in a three-match Test series starting Wednesday at Headingley. The return follows a tumultuous period for England cricket, marked by the sacking of coach Brendon McCullum and the interim leadership of Marcus Trescothick. Root's first stint as captain ended with mixed results, and he faces the challenge of guiding a younger, less experienced team. His previous captaincy record includes 26 wins from 47 matches, which contrasts with the team's recent struggles under Ben Stokes.
- •Root captains England against Pakistan starting Wednesday at Headingley.
- •England sacked Brendon McCullum as Test coach, appointing Stephen Fleming.
- •Root's first captaincy ended with a record of 26 wins in 47 Tests.
- •He takes over a younger, inexperienced team amidst significant transition.
- •Marcus Trescothick serves as interim coach while Fleming is not yet in position.
- 4:44 PMYahoo Sports — Root's great challenge to finish captaincy story
- 4:41 PMBBC Sport — Root's great challenge to finish captaincy story
"Joe Root has an unexpected chance to address some unfinished business as England captain, but it is one of the biggest challenges of his stellar career.
"Joe Root has an unexpected chance to address some unfinished business as England captain, but it is one of the biggest challenges of his stellar career.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 18, 2026, 4:44 PMRoot's great challenge to finish captaincy story
Joe Root has an unexpected chance to address some unfinished business as England captain, but it is one of the biggest challenges of his stellar career.
- BBC SportAug 18, 2026, 4:41 PMRoot's great challenge to finish captaincy story
Joe Root has an unexpected chance to address some unfinished business as England captain, but it is one of the biggest challenges of his stellar career.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
Cricket•Aug 18, 2026, 5:50 PMRoot won't 'rip up' Bazball blueprint as Babar is ruled out for Pakistan
Cricket•Aug 18, 2026, 5:12 PMPadikkal: 'It's important that whenever I get the chance, I perform'
Cricket•Aug 18, 2026, 3:57 PM'It should've been us': Former England stars rue Ashes defeat after Bangladesh batter Australia in 1st Test at Darwin
IPL•Aug 18, 2026, 3:55 PMTarling death shows risks of smaller races - Vaughters
Cricket•Aug 18, 2026, 3:53 PMReturning captain Joe Root aiming to build on best of Stokes era against Pakistan
Cricket•Aug 18, 2026, 2:49 PMNorthants to lose McSweeney for final three games