Joe Root's second tenure as England Test cricket captain begins against Pakistan with no Ben Stokes and victories vital
- Posted on August 18, 2026
- By Sky Sport
- 1 Views
- 1 min read
In brief
England embarks on a new chapter in Test cricket with Joe Root resuming captaincy as the team faces Pakistan in a crucial three-match series. Following Ben Stokes' retirement from the format, the squad will rely on fresh talent including Dan Lawrence to maintain competitive momentum. Root aims to balance the aggressive Bazball philosophy with strategic refinement, proving England can sustain success despite losing their influential all-rounder.
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Joe Root's second tenure as England Test cricket captain begins against Pakistan with no Ben Stokes and victories vital
England start post-Ben Stokes era with three-Test series against Pakistan, live on Sky Sports from Wednesday (11am first ball); Joe Root back in charge and plans to mix best of Bazball with a bit more nuance; hosts will miss talismanic Stokes, who is replaced in the XI by Dan Lawrence
