Story perspectives

Joe Root named England Test captain after Stokes

8/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

England appointed Joe Root (player) captain, succeeding Ben Stokes (player) after Harry Brook (batsman) was passed over.
Rob Key (analyst) linked the vacancy to Brook’s nightclub incident in Wellington and dismissal of coach Brendon McCullum after a 2-1 loss, citing Brook’s 53 average and 10 centuries place him second behind Travis Head.
Charlie Dean (player) will captain England’s ODI side after Nat Sciver-Brunt’s (player) injury, with Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Sophie Ecclestone missing series.

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Story summary

England appointed Joe Root (player) captain, succeeding Ben Stokes (player) after Harry Brook (batsman) was passed over.
Rob Key (analyst) linked the vacancy to Brook’s nightclub incident in Wellington and dismissal of coach Brendon McCullum after a 2-1 loss, citing Brook’s 53 average and 10 centuries place him second behind Travis Head.
Charlie Dean (player) will captain England’s ODI side after Nat Sciver-Brunt’s (player) injury, with Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Sophie Ecclestone missing series.