Joe Root is set for a second stint as England Test captain, saying he is in a very different place than when he stepped down after 10‑wicket defeat to West Indies. Root led England in 64 Tests and recorded 28 wins before resigning in April 2022, citing health and a heavy workload.

Since stepping down, Root’s average rose to over 54 and he hasMaintenance 16 of his 41 Test centuries. He accepted the offer to return to the role largely because of new head coach Stephen Fleming. Root will resume full‑time captaincy against Pakistan at Headingley on 19 August, with Fleming joining the squad ahead of the December South Africa tour.

The side remains in disarray after recent series defeats and off‑field disciplinary issues. Root hopes to build on the successes of the past four years, adopting a mindset that removes fear, encourages talent and plays smarter. He believes this approach will make England a formidable and hard‑to‑beat team.