# ECB chooses Joe Root over Harry Brook as England Test captain

2026-08-06T17:42:00+00:00 | Sports | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

England have restored Joe Root as Test captain following Ben Stokes’ retirement, with the ECB choosing experience over promoting white-ball captain Harry Brook. ECB selector Marcus North told Sky Sports that leading England across all three formats would be a “huge ask” for Brook, who is also preparing for next year’s ODI World Cup. Brook has guided England’s T20 side to the world’s No. 1 ranking before it slipped to No. 2, while England have won their last two ODI series. North said the ECB remains committed to Brook as a future Test captain, but believes Root is the right choice for now. It will be Root’s second stint in the role.

## Coverage

- timesofindia.indiatimes.com <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/huge-ask-ecb-explains-why-harry-brook-missed-out-as-joe-root-returns-as-test-captain/articleshow/133010679.cms>
- sports.ndtv.com <https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/england-national-selector-reveals-why-joe-root-got-test-captaincy-over-harry-brook-11876400#publisher=newsstand>

Tags: Ben Stokes, England cricket, Harry Brook, Joe Root, Test cricket
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