Joe Root speaks out on stepping in to replace Ben Stokes as England captain

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleJoe Root has unexpectedly returned as England's Test captain for the second Rothesay Test at the Kia Oval, stepping in after regular skipper Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were stood down for breaching team protocols during a night out in London. Root, who previously led England in a record 64 matches, expressed surprise at his reinstatement, stating he is taking on the role on a "game-by-game basis" and that his decision was driven by what was "best for this team". Head coach Brendon McCullum voiced "concern" for Ben Stokes, with any definitive decisions regarding his future pending the England and Wales Cricket Board’s investigation into the late-night incident. Root confirmed he has spoken to Stokes multiple times and believes Stokes retains the respect of the dressing room, acknowledging the difficulties of captaincy but deferring to Stokes for public statements on his well-being. Ben Stokes has been cleared by the ECB to play for Durham against Northampton from Friday, with his coach confirming he admitted his mistake and is in good spirits, while Root is expected to lead the third Test at Trent Bridge. In fullJoe Root not ruling out extended run as England captain amid doubts over Ben Stokes’ futureThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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