Joe Root has not dismissed the possibility of extending his unexpected return as England’s Test captain, indicating he is taking on the role on a "game-by-game basis" amid the ongoing uncertainty surrounding regular skipper Ben Stokes.
Root stepped back into the breach for the second Rothesay Test at the Kia Oval after Stokes and Gus Atkinson were stood down for breaking team protocols during a night out in London. The call came from managing director Rob Key, leaving Root to navigate a challenging situation.
Having previously led England in a record 64 matches between 2017 and 2022 before passing the baton to Stokes due to the heavy toll of the job, Root expressed surprise at his reinstatement.
"I never thought I’d be sat here talking to you guys as England captain again. Zero chance…0.1 per cent," he admitted.
He explained his decision was driven by what was "best thing for this team”, adding: "The fact is it felt like it was the right thing to take this on, so I tried to make it as simple as that. I think I am in a very different place to when I finished."
He reiterated his short-term commitment: "It’s a game-by-game basis, I think. Let’s not look beyond this week."
Head coach Brendon McCullum remained tight-lipped on Stokes’ status, repeatedly voicing his "concern" and "worry" for the all-rounder during a press conference on Monday. Any definitive decisions are pending the England and Wales Cricket Board’s investigation into the late-night incident.
Root is widely expected to lead the third Test at Trent Bridge, which commences just three days after the Oval fixture. A subsequent seven-week hiatus before the next Test series against Pakistan could provide sufficient time for any disciplinary proceedings to conclude.
However, it remains unclear whether Stokes will resume his four-year tenure, return to the squad under different leadership, or step away entirely.
Root confirmed he has spoken to Stokes "a number of times over the last week or so”, describing their conversations as "privileged" due to their close friendship.
He acknowledged the difficulties inherent in captaincy, stating, "It’s fair to say over my five years as captain there was difficult periods, and there are certain times when things can get difficult."
Root deferred to Stokes for public statements on his well-being: "When it comes to how Ben’s feeling, how he is, I think they’re all questions that he should be answering himself. I’m sure, at the right time and when he’s ready, he will."
When questioned about Stokes’ ability to command authority after breaching a curfew he helped implement, Root asserted, "I’m sure he has this respect of everyone in our dressing room. He’s been a phenomenal leader for the last four years and the way he’s captained been brilliant."
He added, "We’ve achieved some wonderful things as a team and won a hell of a lot of Test matches. He’s a talismanic player and a great friend to a number of the guys, so of course there’s a huge amount of respect there from everyone."
The ECB has confirmed Stokes is cleared to play for Durham against Northampton from Friday, with Atkinson also available for Surrey’s match against Glamorgan.
Durham coach Ryan Campbell told BBC Radio Newcastle, "Ben is a competitor and he loves to play and he wants to play. He put his hand up and said he made a mistake. From what I’ve seen, he’s in good spirits, he’s back in training, working hard and the rest will take care of itself."
