Joe Root, the 35-year-old cricket star from England, might be getting exactly what he needs to fall back in love with Test cricket. That's what former England captain Michael Vaughan says about Root's return to leading the national Test team, a role he held from 2017 to 2022. Root stepped down four years ago after the job took a heavy emotional toll, but now he's back in charge, and Vaughan thinks that could be just the spark to reignite his passion for the game.
"I just wonder from Joe's perspective if he needed this to get that real enthusiasm to get up every morning to play Test match cricket," Vaughan said on a BBC podcast. "He hasn't got that many of his close friends in the team anymore, a lot of his teammates have retired or moved on, so maybe this is exactly what Joe Root needs as well."
Root's new role comes with strong support around him. New Zealand cricket legend Stephen Fleming has been hired as England's new Test coach on a four-year deal that will see him through the next two Ashes series against Australia. Fleming, who played 111 Test matches for New Zealand and scored over 7,000 runs, is known as a skilled tactician and excellent judge of people. Vaughan says he's exactly the right choice to help Root. Fleming is also close friends with Brendon McCullum, England's white-ball coach, which should make the working relationship smooth and steady.
Vaughan acknowledges that Root faced a tough stretch during his first time as captain. Around the time he took the role, England was focused on winning the 50-over World Cup, which left Test cricket with fewer resources. Then Covid-19 hit, making the already challenging job even harder. Root eventually resigned after a difficult loss to West Indies. But Vaughan believes Root is now "a little bit older, a little bit wiser" and ready for another chapter.
Looking ahead, Root has a rare opportunity in front of him. He's close to breaking one of cricket's most famous records: Sachin Tendulkar's all-time tally of Test runs. If he can also help England win the next Ashes series, Vaughan says Root would have "a more perfect career." With Fleming guiding the tactical side and organizing the team behind the scenes, Root can focus on what he does best.
Vaughan says it's time for England to stop talking about style and just focus on winning. "They've got to start winning games of cricket and winning trophies now," he said. With Root back in command and a seasoned coach by his side, England has a real chance to turn the page and build something special.