In the wash-up from England’s commanding victory in the first Test against New Zealand came an admission from Joe Root that he is still finding his role under the captaincy of Ben Stokes – and it may yet take some time.
Root’s transition to life back in the ranks appeared seamless last summer when he peeled off match-defining centuries at Lord’s, Trent Bridge and Edgbaston, marrying his typical frictionless method with a dash of innovation. At the time, Root said he wanted to “pay a bit back” to Stokes for his unyielding support as vice-captain.
