England Men’s Director of Cricket Rob Key has revealed why Joe Root was chosen as England’s interim Test captain ahead of vice-captain Harry Brook. With regular captain Ben Stokes ruled out for the upcoming Tests, the management has opted for Root’s experience during a challenging period for the team.
England will take on New Zealand in the second Test of the three-match series at the Kennington Oval in London from Wednesday, June 17, 2026, as England look to extend their 1-0 lead after winning the opening Test at Lord’s. Gus Atkinson has also been dropped from the team following the ongoing investigation.
Joe Root is the man we tell him to take out – Rob’s take on involving Harry Brook
Rob Key said this while speaking at the Oval on Thursday England elected Joe Root as interim Test captain In place of vice-captain Harry Brook. He said that the current situation required an experienced leader and the management felt that Root was the best person to guide the team through the difficult times.
“We thought it was too big a task for Harry at this stage,” Key said. “After all, when English cricket is in trouble, Joe Root is the man we turn to to get us out of it.”
“Whether it’s on or off the field. We’re incredibly lucky to have him. And when I talked to him about whether he would consider it, he didn’t hesitate.”
We don’t want to put the burden on him – Rob on Harry Brooke missing out on captaincy
Rob Key said England decided not to appoint Harry Brook as interim Test captain because the batsman already has too many responsibilities. Key said that management did not want to put too much pressure on Brooke.
“There’s a lot [other] Different reasons for this. We are close to selecting a white ball team for a big series against India, T20 cricket and ODI cricket. So Harry, as well as everything that’s happened in the past, has a huge amount of money on his plate and we don’t want to burden him with having to deal with everything.”
Harry Brook is the Test vice-captain of England and also leads the white-ball teams. He has faced disciplinary issues in the past as well. He was fined after an incident involving a nightclub bouncer on the eve of the third ODI during England’s tour of New Zealand last year.
Joe Root returns as he turns to England experience
Joe Root steps down as England’s full-time Test captain in April 2022 after leading the team since 2017. The management has now turned to his experience during a challenging period for the team.
England have also included Joffra Archer and Jordan Cox in the squad for the second Test against New Zealand. Archer missed the opening Test due to workload management after representing Rajasthan Royals till Qualifier 2 of IPL 2026.
Jordan Cox has been included in the team in place of suspended Ben Stokes. The batsman recently returned from Royal Challengers Bangalore’s IPL 2026 title-winning campaign, where he spent the season as part of the team.