Joe Root says he is ready to embrace a second spell as England’s Test captain, insisting he is in a “very different place” compared to when he stepped down from the role four years ago.
The 35-year-old will return as England’s full-time Test skipper against Pakistan at Headingley on August 19 after accepting the role following discussions with newly appointed head coach Stephen Fleming.
Root Embraces Fresh Leadership Challenge
Root captained England in a record 64 Tests between 2017 and 2022, leading the side to 28 victories before resigning after a difficult period that included a 4-0 Ashes defeat in Australia and just one win in 17 Tests.
The Yorkshire batter admitted the captaincy had become mentally draining during his first stint but believes he is now better equipped for the challenge.
“It’s one of the greatest honours you could wish to have. I’m very excited by it,” Root said.
“I’m in a very different place to the last time I did it with a team in a very different position.”
Fleming Appointment Played Key Role
Root revealed that conversations with Fleming convinced him to take the job, describing the former New Zealand captain as someone he has admired both as a player and coach.
The pair will begin working together ahead of England’s home series against Pakistan before preparing for December’s tour of South Africa.
“I’ve admired him from afar, first as a player and recently as a coach. To get the chance to work together is going to be great fun,” Root said.
Building On The Bazball Foundation
Rather than starting from scratch, Root wants to retain many of the positive elements introduced during the Brendon McCullum-Ben Stokes era despite England’s recent struggles.
He credited the previous leadership for changing the team’s mindset and encouraging players to perform without fear while acknowledging there is now scope to add greater tactical flexibility.
“The last four years have been the most fun I’ve had in professional cricket,” Root said.
“If we can combine that fearless approach with recognising when to absorb pressure and when to put it back on opponents, I think we’ll become a very formidable Test side.”
Root has enjoyed the most prolific phase of his Test career since stepping down as captain in 2022, averaging more than 54 and scoring 16 of his 41 Test centuries during that period.
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