England appoint Joe Root as new Test cricket captain with Brendon McCullum replacement as head coach announced

JOE ROOT is back as England Test captain with Kiwi Stephen Fleming confirmed as new Test coach. Root has captained England a record 65 times in Test cricket and returned to the job last month for a single match while Ben Stokes was investigated for a late-night appearance at a night club. Joe Root is back for his second stint as England Test captain Credit: PA Stephen Fleming is England’s new Test coach Credit: Getty Now Root has returned to the role permanently – almost certainly through to next summer’s Ashes series. Stokes quit international cricket at the end of England’s losing series against New Zealand last month. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! Root, 35, said: “It’s a great honour and privilege to be asked to be Test captain again. “Test captaincy is a difficult but hugely rewarding job and, after enjoying a brief taste of it again working with Baz McCullum last month, I am excited to lead this next generation of players forward. “The opportunity to do that alongside Stephen Fleming is also a huge motivator. He has proved over a long period that he is an exceptional leader with a great knowledge of the game. “I’m looking forward to working with him and helping to build a winning environment.” Root’s appointment means Harry Brook remains as white-ball captain and will work with McCullum, who was sacked as Test coach but kept his role with the 50-over and T20 teams. Fleming, 53, will not be in place for England’s three-Test home series against Pakistan, beginning at Headingley on August 19. Most read in Sport BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK Ben Stokes retired from international cricket last month Credit: Alamy Batting coach Marcus Trescothick will be in charge for those games with Fleming taking charge for the away series in South Africa in December. The big goal for Fleming and Root will be to help England regain the Ashes in 2027. Fleming captained New Zealand in 80 of his 111 Test matches. He has since built a successful coaching career during which he helped Chennai Super Kings win the IPL five times. He left CSK earlier this year and, once Andy Flower ruled himself out, Fleming was the most alluring candidate, ahead of the likes of English duo Richard Dawson and Jonathan Trott. Fleming added: “I’m particularly looking forward to working with Joe Root – a generational talent who has achieved so much already. “There is still plenty more to come from him and I’m excited to support him so he can enjoy and thrive in the role in what is a different context to his first stint.” Comment now