Root: Fleming a 'big reason' I wanted captaincy again

England's Joe Root is ready to embrace his second stint as Test captain, stating he is in a "very different place" to when he stepped down from the role four years ago. Root, who first became captain in 2017, led England in a record 64 Tests and won 28 matches as skipper before resigning in April 2022 following a 10-wicket loss to West Indies.

At that time, England had only won one of their past 17 Tests, including a 4-0 Ashes series defeat in Australia, while also dealing with Covid restrictions. Root admitted the captaincy had become an "unhealthy relationship" for him, but knew the decision to step down was the right one, saying it lifted a "big weight" off his shoulders.

Since relinquishing the captaincy, Root has averaged over 54 in Tests, compared to 46.44 in the previous five years, and has scored 16 of his 41 Test centuries. However, he has no doubts about returning to the role following the appointment of new head coach Stephen Fleming. Root, who filled the position on an interim basis in June when Ben Stokes missed a Test, told BBC Sport that the New Zealander's appointment was a significant factor in his decision to return.

Root, 35, will begin his second tenure as captain against Pakistan at Headingley on August 19, with Fleming joining the team ahead of the December tour of South Africa.

Root and Fleming, who both hold national records for matches and wins as Test captains, will lead a side in disarray after recent series defeats in Australia and New Zealand, as well as disciplinary issues that led to the retirement of captain Stokes and the sacking of coach Brendon McCullum. The duo previously oversaw a resurgence in the Test side, winning 10 of their first 11 matches, and Root hopes his second stint as captain can build on their accomplishments rather than starting from scratch.

Root emphasized the shift in mindset and attitude created during McCullum and Stokes' tenure, focusing on stripping away fear and allowing players to express their talent more freely, particularly in high-pressure game situations.