Joe Root has bluntly ruled himself out of contention to become England’s next white-ball captain, saying the “ship has sailed” on that prospect as he turns his attention fully to red-ball cricket and the immediate big Test challenges ahead.
The England batting great, who captained the Test side for five years, confirmed he will no longer pursue leadership in the one-day and T20 formats after Jos Buttler’s resignation as white-ball captain following a disastrous Champions Trophy campaign for England earlier in 2025.
Root’s comments — as clear an end to his white-ball leadership hopes as England is likely to get — mark a key moment in the ongoing reset of England’s limited-overs structure and identity. Below, we unpack what Root said, why it matters, and what the future looks like for both him and England’s white-ball teams.
Context: England’s white-ball woes and leadership vacuum
Root’s comments didn’t emerge in isolation — they come against the backdrop of a turbulent period for England’s limited-overs setup.
- England suffered a humbling group-stage exit from the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, losing all their matches, prompting Jos Buttler’s resignation as white-ball captain.
- With Buttler stepping down, England’s white-ball leadership role was wide open. Root’s name was mentioned in some quarters as a stabilising interim choice — but he pre-emptively closed that door.
- England’s white-ball cricket — once the envy of the world after the 2019 World Cup and 2022 T20 World Cup wins — has since struggled for identity and consistency.
Root’s dismissal of the captaincy reflects both his own career trajectory and a broader recognition that England need to cultivate a new generation of limited-overs leaders rather than leaning on past Test captains.
Why Root is stepping back
Root’s reasoning is simple but layered:
1. Leadership fatigue and self-awareness
Having captained England’s Test side from 2017 to 2022, Root knows the toll leadership takes, especially while balancing his own batting. He has suggested in recent seasons that if given a second chance, he would do some things differently when reflecting on his leadership approach (echoed in fan and pundit discussions).
2. Limited-overs form and focus
Root’s own white-ball form has been inconsistent, particularly after a decline following the 2023 ODI World Cup where his performances didn’t match his usual standards.
While he’s since been recalled for some white-ball assignments — including the West Indies series — his form and role are better suited to batting rather than steering a team through a leadership transition.
3. Bigger Test ambitions
Root isn’t downplaying the red-ball challenges ahead: he emphasised the “no hiding place” that awaits England in the upcoming Test series against India, followed by an aim to win a Test series in Australia.
This marks a distinct prioritisation of red-ball cricket, where Root remains one of the game’s premier batters and a backbone of England’s lineup.
What this means for England’s white-ball future
Root stepping aside has opened up a new chapter for England’s white-ball leadership:
1. Harry Brook emerges as captain
Harry Brook — a young, dynamic batter — has been appointed England’s white-ball captain and has already started strong, including leading the team to a convincing series sweep of the West Indies.
Brook’s appointment suggests England are keen to build leadership continuity around a new core rather than retrofitting from older formats.
2. New leaders and depth becoming central
Alongside Brook, names like Ben Duckett and Liam Livingstone have been mooted as potential leaders, though Brook appears to be firmly in the role for now.
The emphasis for England’s management is now on nurturing leadership within the white-ball ranks rather than relying on experienced Test captains to bail them out — a message made clearer by Root’s stance.
3. Strategic reset for white-ball identity
Root emphasised the need to reset and move forward as a group, indicating that England’s white-ball renaissance will be about building collective strength rather than rallying around one senior figure.
This reset likely means:
- Brighter young players will be entrusted with responsibility early.
- England will experiment with batting orders and tactical approaches that balance experience and innovation.
- Root’s seniority may still be used to mentor rising talents — but not as the primary leader.
Mixed reactions from the cricket community
In fan discussions and media commentary, Root’s decision has sparked debate about whether England are missing out by not tapping his leadership experience in limited-overs formats. Some argue that Root’s calm, strategic temperament could have steadied a struggling team, while others note that his best cricket — and leadership impact — has already come in Tests.
However, most analysts agree that the future of England’s white-ball cricket rests on cultivating leaders with long-term vision and continuity, rather than recycling past roles.
What’s next for Root?
Root’s focus — and England’s too — appears to be on:
- Test cricket success, particularly winning in Australia and mastering conditions against elite Test sides.
- Contributing as a senior batter, mentoring younger players in both red-ball and occasional white-ball roles without the pressures of captaincy.
- Being part of England’s leadership fabric in a supporting, rather than frontline, capacity.
Given his stature — one of England’s all-time greats — Root’s influence still carries significant weight. While his captaincy chapter might be closed, his contribution to English cricket remains central.
Conclusion
Joe Root’s succinct declaration that the white-ball captaincy “ship has sailed” for him signals a clear shift in both his personal career arc and England’s strategic direction in limited-overs cricket. Root is prioritising his legacy as a batter and a senior team figure while leaving room for a new generation to lead the white-ball side forward. Whether that means a seamless transition or a challenging rebuild, England’s cricket future looks decidedly different — and more forward-looking — with Root steering from behind the stumps of experience rather than the captain’s position.