Sports · 30 July 2026
Why is Root replacing Stokes as captain?
Ben Stokes retired from international cricket after breaching a curfew before England's second Test against New Zealand. Joe Root returns as Test captain four years after Stokes replaced him, while New Zealander Stephen Fleming becomes head coach after Brendon McCullum's sacking on 12 July. Marcus Trescothick will lead the side through August's three-Test series against Pakistan before Fleming takes over.
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