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Joe Root returns as England Test captain following Stokes's retirement

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 31, 2026, 1:17 PM

Last updated Jul 31, 2026

Joe Root returns as England Test captain following Stokes's retirement
Summary

Joe Root has been reappointed as England's Test captain after Ben Stokes's retirement. The decision follows discussions among potential candidates, with Root and Harry Brook being the primary names considered. Root's previous tenure ended amidst a series of losses, and he expressed a willingness to return to leadership despite past challenges. The England cricket management acknowledged the lack of senior leadership options available, highlighting the absence of established candidates for captaincy. Root aims to provide stability as England navigates upcoming fixtures.

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Status Watch
  • •Root was selected after discussions among coaching candidates.
  • •Stokes retired unexpectedly, creating a leadership void.
  • •Root has a tough history with only one win in his last 18 Tests as captain.
  • •Management expressed concern over the lack of senior leadership in the team.
  • •Harry Brook was considered but deemed too early for captaincy.
Latest Updates
  • 1:17 PMYahoo Sports — Joe Root’s return as Test captain highlights English cricket’s missing generation
What they're saying
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Root has been reappointed after Ben Stokes’s retirement with Harry Brook overlooked – but where are England’s other Test leaders?

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