{
  "id": 7046632,
  "title": "England back on track after 'chaos', says Root",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/13/england-back-on-track-after-chaos-says-root",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-13T02:48:57.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/cricket/2026/09/1531647/england-back-track-after-chaos-says-root"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Joe Root has declared that England cricket is back on track following a recent period of chaos, after leading a 3-0 series whitewash over Pakistan. Root, who previously led the team for five years before stepping down in 2022, has returned to the captaincy after Ben Stokes' surprise international retirement in June. Stokes' departure occurred during the Trent Bridge decider against New Zealand, following a disciplinary probe into a nightclub incident with teammate Gus Atkinson. England lost the series 2-1, and head coach Brendon McCullum was subsequently removed from his role.\n\nRoot's return, alongside interim head coach Marcus Trescothick, has resulted in three comfortable wins over Pakistan at Headingley, Lord's, and now Edgbaston, stabilizing the team ahead of Stephen Fleming's arrival as McCullum's long-term successor. The New Zealander is anticipated to join the team in the coming days, and Root believes he will find a more cohesive unit.\n\nRoot stated that there has been a significant amount of chaos surrounding the series before any bowling took place. He attributed this to various factors, including a mid-series resignation, off-field incidents, and the introduction of a new head coach. While acknowledging that these issues may be perceived as \"chaos,\" \"unusual,\" or \"unsettling,\" Root emphasized that the team's response to these challenges has been \"excellent.\"\n\nEngland has faced criticism for a perceived lack of professionalism due to several high-profile off-field incidents, both overseas and at home. The second Test against Pakistan was marred by an incident involving bowler Brydon Carse outside a nightclub, leading to his removal from the squad and subsequent absence from the team. Root acknowledged that building a strong team culture takes time and that it will require ongoing effort to maintain the positive momentum.",
  "summary": "BIRMINGHAM: Joe Root says England are back on track after descending into “chaos” in recent months as he celebrated a 3-0 series whitewash over Pakistan on Saturday.",
  "key_points": [
    "England cricket back on track after recent chaos, says Root",
    "Joe Root leads 3-0 series whitewash over Pakistan",
    "Root returns as captain following Ben Stokes' retirement"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Joe Root's leadership and a stable coaching setup have helped England regain momentum after a tumultuous period marked by off-field incidents, disciplinary issues, and coaching changes.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}