The ECB is expected to confirm Root as captain for the three-Test series against Pakistan starting 19 August, with the arrangement likely to continue well beyond that, The Athletic reports.
England have faced a turbulent month following Stokes’ shock retirement during the third Test against New Zealand, a series England lost 2-1, and the subsequent departure of McCullum as red-ball coach after four years.
Root had already stood in as captain for the second Test of that series after Stokes was suspended following a late-night incident, and has since emerged as the clear choice for the role long-term.
Root previously led England for five years before stepping down in 2022 following a difficult run of one win in 17 Tests. Sources suggest his sense of duty made him unlikely to turn the role down again despite that experience.
He remains England’s most successful Test captain by wins, with 27 victories from 65 matches.
On the coaching front, Marcus Trescothick is the most likely candidate to take interim charge for the Pakistan series, potentially working alongside Glamorgan coach Richard Dawson, after England’s first-choice candidate Andy Flower ruled himself out to focus on franchise commitments.
Former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming is understood to be the leading external option if England don’t turn to Dawson on a permanent basis.
Root’s tenure would face an early test with tours of South Africa and Bangladesh this winter, plus a one-off Test against Australia in Melbourne, before the defining assignment: the Ashes at home next summer.
Photo: Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge
