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"It Felt Weird": Joe Root Opens Up On Playing Under Captain Ben Stokes' Leadership

Soumyajit Dutta

Joe Root and Ben Stokes [Source: @ICC/X]Joe Root and Ben Stokes [Source: @ICC/X]

Joe Root has revealed the complex emotions he navigated upon returning to the England Test side after relinquishing the captaincy to Ben Stokes. Describing the initial phase as both "difficult and weird," England's leading run-scorer successfully reintegrated as a specialist batter following his leadership tenure.

Joe Root consciously focused on supporting Stokes without overstepping, while simultaneously channeling his energy into prolific run-scoring. This approach yielded remarkable results. He bagged 3,117 runs at an average of 56.67 in the 36 Tests since Stokes took charge.

Joe Root Speaks His Heart Out On Returning For England Tests

While speaking to SkySports, Root elaborated on Stokes' captaincy and how it might have affected him. Hen also shared that he will be besides Stokes to support him.

“Ben (Stokes) did so much for me as my vice-captain, now it’s my turn to give a bit back to him. It was difficult and weird coming back into the team after being leader. I didn’t want to get in Ben’s way or step on his toes but I wanted him to know I was there to support him,” Root said.

Root understood his role clearly under Stokes captaincy as he stressed that he wanted to score more with the bat.

“I knew a big part of that was scoring runs. I wanted to make sure I could affect games with the bat and clearly if I was following his lead as a former captain it sends a strong message to anyone coming into the team or not as established as myself.”

Root Credits Stokes For The 'Atmosphere'

He credits the environment fostered by Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum for making this period exceptionally rewarding. 

“It has become the most fun time of my career. Playing the way we play, the environment that has been created. The job Ben and [head coach] Brendon [McCullum] have done has been fabulous and so much fun has come with it,” said Root.

Currently fifth on the all-time Test run-scoring list with 13,006 runs, Root is the highest scorer among active players. He stands within reach of Sachin Tendulkar's record of 15,921 Test runs.