Former England batter Mark Butcher has criticised the ECB’s decision to bring Joe Root back as England’s Test captain, arguing that the move risks taking the side in the wrong direction after the leadership shift that followed Ben Stokes’ rise. Root was officially reappointed on July 31, with the ECB also confirming Stephen Fleming as the new men’s Test head coach.

Butcher said England’s bold, attacking style under Stokes and Brendon McCullum emerged as a reaction to Root’s earlier spell as captain, which ended after a difficult run of results. He described the decision to return Root to the job as a “retrograde step” and suggested it could undo some of the progress England have made in recent years. 

“Ben Stokes, Brendon McCullum, Rob Key were the reaction to Joe Root’s captaincy the first time around,” Mark Butcher said on Sky Sports. “This revolutionising of the way we play Test match cricket came off the back of 17 Test matches with only one victory under Joe.” 

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His main concern was that captaincy duties could once again affect Root’s batting rhythm, even though the Yorkshireman has flourished since stepping away from the pressure of leadership. Butcher felt Root has been at his best without the burden of captaincy and said he had hoped the former skipper would remain a senior figure rather than return to the top job. 

Former England captain Michael Atherton offered a more balanced view, saying Root may not be the perfect long-term option but is still a safer choice than Harry Brook at this stage. Atherton noted that Brook remains a developing player and leader, while Root offers experience and stability as England prepare for the Pakistan Test series starting on August 19 at Headingley.

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Atherton also pointed out that Root’s leadership limitations were visible in the recent Test against New Zealand at The Oval, but said he was still the better short-term solution. In his view, Root is the player best placed to guide England through the immediate future, while Brook continues to grow into a possible future Test captain.

England now begin a new Test chapter with Root back in charge and Fleming joining him in the coaching role, while debate continues over whether the ECB has made the safest choice or simply the most familiar one.