ENG vs PAK 2026: Joe Root Returns as England Captain as England Face Pakistan in Headingley Test

Joe Root will return as England’s Test captain when they face Pakistan in the first Test at Headingley, Leeds, starting August 19. The change comes after Ben Stokes retired from Test cricket and Brendon McCullum left his role as head coach.

Marcus Trescothick will take charge as England’s interim coach, while Root begins another chapter as captain. England will hope the changes can help turn around a poor run of Test results.

England drew the series 2-2 against India before suffering a 4-1 Ashes defeat. They then lost 2-1 to New Zealand, leaving them seventh in the World Test Championship standings.

Root believes England do not need a complete rebuild. “I don’t think there’s a huge amount we need to change. It’s small things that will make a big difference,” Root said.

He added that England must keep the good work done under Stokes and McCullum while being ready to adapt to different match situations.

England have made several changes to their squad for the Headingley Test. Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope, Brydon Carse and Sam Cook return or join the side, while Jacob Bethell misses out due to a knee injury.

Pakistan will also enter the Test with a change in leadership. Salman Agha will captain the side after Babar Azam injured his right hand during a warm-up match.

Shan Masood remains doubtful because of a finger injury. Abdullah Shafique and Mohammad Abbas are expected to feature as Pakistan look to continue their recent improvement in Test cricket.

Pakistan ended an eight-match winless run in away Tests by beating the West Indies in their last series. They are currently eighth in the WTC standings and will be looking for another strong result in Leeds.

Rain is forecast during the opening days, which could have an impact on the Test. Both teams will be keen to make the most of every session as they look to improve their WTC positions.

Pakistan Probable Playing XI

Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Salman Agha (Captain), Saud Shakeel, Awais Zafar, Mohammad Rizwan (Wicketkeeper), Ali Usman, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali

England Probable Playing XI

Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jordan Cox, Joe Root (Captain), Harry Brook, Dan Lawrence, Jamie Smith (Wicketkeeper), Ollie Robinson / Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue