Joe Root has ruled out abandoning England’s Bazball philosophy after returning as Test captain, insisting the side will build on the progress made under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum rather than start from scratch.
Root has taken charge once again following Stokes’ surprise retirement from international cricket after England’s recent Test series defeat to New Zealand. The Yorkshire batter previously captained England between 2017 and 2022.
Speaking to the England and Wales Cricket Board, Root said there was no reason to walk away from the attacking style that has reshaped England’s Test cricket over the past four years.
“We want to keep the good things we have built,” Root said. “I do not want to go back to where we were before Baz and Ben took over.”
Root believes dismantling the current structure would be the wrong move. Instead, he wants to improve what is already in place and help England compete more consistently against the world’s leading Test sides.
“Our aim is to develop that plan, make changes where needed and become a team capable of challenging the best on a regular basis,” he said.
England earned widespread praise under McCullum and Stokes for their fearless approach, but the results have not always matched the excitement. The team struggled against Australia in the Ashes and also fell short against India.
The recent series defeat to New Zealand added further pressure. Off-field disciplinary issues also overshadowed parts of the tour and raised fresh questions about standards within the squad.
Root accepted there are areas that require greater discipline, although he stopped short of discussing specific incidents.
“The last four years have been the most enjoyable of my career,” he said. “They changed the way I see the game and helped me grow as a player. There is no point tearing everything up. We just need to be more disciplined and stronger in certain situations.”
Root will begin his second spell as England’s Test captain against Pakistan. The first match of the three-Test series starts at Headingley on August 19.
Former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming is also due to take over as England’s head coach later this year, beginning another chapter for the Test side.
