Now Reading: Root returns as England captain for Pakistan Test series
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Root returns as England captain for Pakistan Test series
England have named a 16-man squad for their three-Test series against Pakistan, with Joe Root returning as permanent captain for the first time since 2022. The series begins at Headingley on August…
The Story in Brief
England have named a 16-man squad for their three-Test series against Pakistan, with Joe Root returning as permanent captain for the first time since 2022. The series begins at Headingley on August 19.
Jordan Cox will bat at number three in the first two Tests after Jacob Bethell was ruled out with a knee injury. Dan Lawrence returns to the Test squad for the first time since 2024 and is expected to bat at number six. Brydon Carse and Ollie Pope also return, while Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue and Ollie Robinson lead the pace options. Marcus Trescothick will serve as interim head coach before Stephen Fleming takes charge.
The Indian Opinion
The easy story is that Root’s return alone will restore England’s Test fortunes, while Cox is being asked to solve the middle order overnight. Neither claim is supported yet. Root brings experience, but captaincy will be judged across three Tests, not at selection. Cox’s promotion follows Bethell’s injury, not a settled long-term plan. The clearest test will be England’s batting returns in the first two matches, especially at numbers three and six.
Source: rediff.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
