Batting legend Joe Root is the frontrunner to succeed Ben Stokes as England Test captain, international media reported on Friday.
England were mulling a new Test captain following the shock retirement of veteran all-rounder Stokes midway through the third and final Test against New Zealand, which the visitors eventually won 2–1.
Harry Brooke, who had served as Stokes’ deputy since the start of last winter’s Ashes series, was given the interim charge despite being overlooked when the all-rounder missed the second Test of the aforementioned series.
The decision did not sit well with Stokes, who insisted that Brook succeed him as England’s full-time Test captain.
Later, Brooke expressed his desire to lead the Three Lions in the Test, saying it was a great honor and privilege.
“Look, it would be a great honor to do it. It would be a privilege to captain England at the highest form and peak of our game,” Brook said during a press conference ahead of the five-match T20I series against India in Durham last month.
However, according to a report by an American subscription-based sports news publication, Rudd will replace Brooke as England Test captain and his second stint could be extended until next year’s home Ashes series against Australia from June 18 to August 2.
“Joe Root will be reinstated as England’s Test captain and his second role will be extended into next summer’s series against Australia,” the report said.
The report further suggested that Root, who appeared to be “the only real choice”, would soon be unveiled as Test captain by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
If reinstated as England Test captain, Root’s first assignment will be the three-match home series against Pakistan, scheduled from August 19 to September 3.
“England’s search for a new captain after Ben Stokes’ international retirement seems certain to end up with their only real choice – a second spell in charge of Root,” the report continued.
“(The) ECB is set to announce that Root will captain the squad for the three-Test series against Pakistan starting August 19 and onwards.