Joe Root takes charge of England for his 66th Test match as captain when his side faces Pakistan at Headingley on Wednesday.
The 35-year-old batter returns to the leadership role following a tumultuous nine-month period that featured off-field investigations, boozy incidents, Ashes humiliation, the retirement of Ben Stokes, and the removal of Brendon McCullum as all-format coach.
Root urged England not to dwell on past difficulties as they attempt to secure their first Test series victory since 2024.
"Ultimately, it’s about looking after the here and now. Getting too caught up in what's gone before is not necessarily going to help us," Root said. "What do we need right now? What's going to get the best out of this group and what does it take to evolve us to where we want to get to? If we're good enough to work that through and skilful enough to execute that then we'll get there."
Tactical adjustments and Bazball approach
Root insisted his forward-thinking approach will refine rather than abandon the high-tempo style known as Bazball, which was established under McCullum and Stokes.
"It's not about ripping it up," Root said. "Small adjustments in-game will make a big difference. I don't believe there is one way of playing Test cricket. I think you've got to be adaptable, you've got to play the situation and the different tempos of the game. It's never the same throughout the five days."
Bazball, named after former New Zealand batter McCullum, transformed England's Test team with an aggressive tactical mindset. Root previously captained the national side before stepping down in 2022, when Stokes took over the captaincy.
Root is also implementing a change to his fielding position, moving from first slip to mid-off to communicate more easily with his bowlers, copying a practice used by Stokes. Either Ben Duckett or Jordan Cox will take over at first slip.
Team selection and player roles
Essex player Cox, who made his Test debut against New Zealand at number seven earlier this summer, moves up to number three in place of the injured Jacob Bethell. Cox demonstrated his versatility by taking part in a lengthy wicketkeeping session during Tuesday's practice.
Dan Lawrence steps into the all-rounder role left vacant by Stokes. Root highlighted Lawrence's bowling capabilities, calling the batter an "under-rated" off-spinner who has scored five County Championship hundreds this season.
In a departure from the previous regime's habit of naming line-ups 24 to 48 hours in advance, England will refrain from announcing their starting XI until the toss on Wednesday morning.
The County Championship is the domestic first-class cricket competition in England and Wales, while Headingley in Leeds serves as Root's long-time home ground for Yorkshire.
Leadership dynamics and Pakistan opposition
Root will meet Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha at the toss. Regular Pakistan captain Babar Azam was ruled out of the series opener with a bruised right middle finger, though he is expected to return for the second Test at Lord's in London.
Pakistan enter the three-match series aiming to end a 30-year winless streak in Test cricket on English soil.
Root will be supported on the field by vice-captain Harry Brook, who retains the deputy role he held under Stokes while also captaining England's white-ball teams. Root dismissed any awkwardness after Brook previously made a public pitch for the Test leadership.
"Our relationship's exactly as it has been for a long time. Me and Harry are very good friends," Root said. "I just want Harry to be authentic. If he’s comfortable in his own skin then I think England's in a good place."
Marcus Trescothick is serving as England's interim coach for the three-match series. Incoming Test coach Stephen Fleming, the former New Zealand captain, does not arrive until next month, but Root confirmed he has remained in almost daily contact with him to prepare for the series.
