Joe Root's time as captain of the England cricket team was fraught with challenges, culminating in his decision to step down after a difficult period. When he passed the captaincy to Ben Stokes, Root appeared to be a man weighed down by the burden of leadership. He had led England through a particularly tough stretch, winning only one of his last 17 Tests in charge, which included a disappointing Ashes series marred by strict COVID-19 protocols and the isolation that came with it.
In his first Test after relinquishing the captaincy, Root opened up about the toll the role had taken on him personally. He described it as an "unhealthy relationship" that affected his mental health, stating, "I couldn’t leave it at the ground anymore; it was coming home, and it was not fair on my family or myself." This admission highlighted the pressures faced by modern captains, especially during the pandemic, which added an unprecedented layer of difficulty to the job.
With some time now passed since his departure, Root seems ready to embrace the captaincy again, especially with the prospect of leading a younger, less experienced England side. He has the opportunity to shape this team in his image, a chance he did not have with seasoned players like Jimmy Anderson and Alastair Cook during his previous tenure. The upcoming Ashes series next year offers him a chance to finally secure a series win that has eluded him.
Despite the challenges, Root's captaincy statistics reveal a more complex picture. He won 27 out of the 65 Tests he oversaw, which is more victories than any other England Test captain, while also losing the same number. However, his record in Ashes matches is particularly stark, with only two wins from 15 matches. Many of these losses occurred during tours of Australia, where England has historically struggled. The focus during his captaincy also shifted towards one-day formats, which may have impacted the team's performance in the longer format.
As Root's captaincy progressed, his style became more methodical and predictable, contrasting sharply with Stokes' aggressive approach. While Root's methodical nature initially provided stability, it eventually became perceived as stale, especially as the team faced significant challenges from the pandemic. The impact of COVID-19 on his captaincy cannot be understated; during the early part of 2021, Root led a team that struggled to find its footing, winning only four out of 21 Tests, with several key players absent due to health protocols.
Looking back, it's clear that Root's captaincy was affected by numerous external factors, including player availability and the mental health challenges that many faced during the pandemic. His tenure included notable successes, such as a 4-1 victory over India and a 3-0 series win in Sri Lanka, showcasing his ability to lead a competitive side. However, the subsequent decline in performance and the chaotic end to his captaincy left a lasting impression.
As he steps back into the leadership role, Root has the chance to reshape the narrative surrounding his captaincy. His recent admission of feeling "slightly envious" of Stokes' opportunity to captain under coach Brendon McCullum reflects a desire to reclaim his place in the game. While he may not have the same resources as Stokes, Root's past successes and experiences could provide a valuable foundation for his renewed leadership.
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