Joe Root returns to captain England against Pakistan in first Test
The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 18, 2026, 3:53 PM
Last updated Aug 18, 2026
Joe Root is set to lead England in the first Test against Pakistan in Leeds, marking his return as captain. This match follows Ben Stokes' retirement from international cricket and Brendon McCullum's removal from his red-ball coaching role. Root stated he intends to maintain the direction established during Stokes' era rather than overhaul it. His squad includes Dan Lawrence, who is back in the Test side and has been praised for his off-spin bowling. The three-match series begins today.
- •Joe Root's first Test match back as captain.
- •Match taking place at Headingley in Leeds.
- •Ben Stokes has retired from international cricket.
- •Brendon McCullum is no longer red-ball coach.
- •Dan Lawrence returns to the Test team for this match.
- 3:53 PMThe Guardian Sport — Returning captain Joe Root aiming to build on best of Stokes era against Pakistan
"Root not planning on ‘ripping up’ work of Stokes and McCullum Talked up Dan Lawrence’s off-spin bowling on his return to Test side Joe Root says he is not planning on “ripping up” the work of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum as his England side prepare to face Pakistan in the first Test in Leeds, on the Yorkshireman’s return to the captaincy. The three-match series is the first since the retirement of Stokes from international cricket and the removal of McCullum from his red-ball role. Root could not escape questions about the former captain and how his side goes about replacing him. Continue reading...
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