India, Aug. 6 -- England's decision to reappoint Joe Root as Test captain following Ben Stokes' retirement came as a surprise to many. Harry Brook, England's white-ball captain and Stokes' deputy in the Test setup, was widely expected to take over the role. Instead, the ECB opted for experience by handing the leadership back to Root, who previously captained England before Stokes. While Root remains the team's premier Test batter, his first stint as captain produced mixed results and never fully lived up to expectations. Choosing him over Brook represents a significant call by the selectors, raising questions about England's long-term leadership plans despite having a younger successor already established within the squad.

ECB selector M...