Joe Root has been given a second chance to lead England’s Test side after Ben Stokes’ retirement, reviving questions about his leadership after a challenging first spell. His earlier captaincy produced 27 wins in 64 Tests, but ended under pressure after the 2021-22 Ashes defeat in Australia.
England now face Pakistan at home and later South Africa away, with Root’s stronger home record contrasting with weaker results overseas. The piece also revisits his handling of Jack Leach and suggests that this new stint could determine whether his captaincy becomes a redemption or repeats past problems.
With Ben Stokes announcing his retirement during the New Zealand series, the ECB has allowed Joe Root to re-establish his captaincy career.
Root captained England’s Test side from February 2017, after Sir Alastair Cook stepped down from the role after the Series in India.
In his first stint, England had a win percentage of 42.19%, from 64 Tests, winning 27, losing 26, and drawing 11.
His 27 wins made him England’s most successful Test captain, surpassing Michael Vaughan’s 26 victories in the format.
His captaincy came under real scrutiny after the side lost 4-0 in the Ashes series in Australia in 2021-22.
It brought to an end a challenging first stint as captain.
He’ll be hoping that his second stint overhauls the start of his captaincy journey.
“Since 2022 we’ve done some amazing things. “We’ll try to continue a lot of the good stuff we did over that period. And not finding ourselves back to where we were before Baz [Brendon McCullum] and Ben [Stokes] took over. And evolving and tweaking things to where we want to be and really competing against the top nations consistently.” Root: Sky Sports
Given how his opening tenure in the role went, some would say that this is a slightly riskier move. But as Harry Brook is now the white-ball captain, you can understand why the ECB has reverted to Root.
Pakistan and South Africa to Provide Stern Test?
England begin their new tenure under Root, with a tricky two-match series at home against Pakistan. The tourists are currently seventh in the 2025-27 World Test Championship table, while England sit in fifth place.
The ECB has set an early-next-week date to announce the squad for the upcoming series.
Once that series is done, England will then fly off to South Africa for a three-Test Series in January 2027.
Root’s captaincy record in home Tests is superior, with a 52.94% win rate, compared to 30% in overseas Tests.
Given how strong England are at home, how the team performs overseas could define Root’s captaincy career in a nutshell.
Root vs Media Round 2
In his first stint as captain, it was always an intriguing battle between Root and the media. He took a highly diplomatic approach to answering the tough questions while protecting them.
He always emphasised that his team were capable of ‘showing character’ and had tremendous respect for each other.
Jack Leach, who had been through everything as the lone spinner in the team, including the famous 1 not out at Headingley in the run chase in The Ashes. Was tasked by Root as the main wicket-taker.
Now Leach can be a bowler who, at times, can be a bit erratic, particularly when he does not get his line and length right.
Recognising that the Oval pitch was spinning, Root seized the moment and brought him into the attack in the 19th over.
The Somerset Left-Arm Spinner responded immediately with the wicket of Marnus Labuschagne.
He also took the wicket of Skipper Tim Paine, and mopped up Australia’s tail.
It turned out to be a masterstroke move by Root, as it helped England level the series.
Though the 2021-2022 Ashes was a disaster for Leach and Root, Leach remained a key figure in Root’s opening tenure as captain.
Root was also criticised for the way he managed Leach, particularly his bowling spells. He was also criticised for the fields he set for him, particularly in Australia, for being overly defensive.
However, the Yorkshire batter was always a huge admirer of Leach, and continued to support him through those tough phases.
Could we see Leach back in the frame for more Test Cricket under the leadership of Root?
The second part of Root’s captaincy career is yet to be completed, but one thing is for certain: he still has plenty of unfinished business with England.
What are your thoughts?
Is this part of Root’s redemption as a leader, or will it turn into another disaster?
Send us your thoughts on World in Sport.
