Joe Root and Babar Azam during a cricket match
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England's Joe Root Begins New Captaincy Against Pakistan

LONDON18 August 2026

Rizz Jobs News Desk·2 min read

Market Briefing

  • Joe Root resumes his role as England's captain against Pakistan, who will play without Babar Azam.
  • This series marks the start of England's post-Bazball era and presents challenges for both teams.

Joe Root will begin his second stint as captain of the England cricket team as they face Pakistan, who will be without their star player Babar Azam, in an upcoming series.

England's decision to reinstate Joe Root as captain comes after a period of strategic shifts within the team. Root, who previously led the team from 2017 to 2022, is expected to bring stability and experience to the squad.

The absence of Babar Azam, due to injury, poses a considerable challenge for Pakistan, as he has been a pivotal figure in their batting lineup.

The series is set to take place in the United Arab Emirates, providing a neutral venue for both teams. England will look to capitalize on their recent form and the leadership of Root to secure a series victory.

The England and Pakistan cricket boards have expressed confidence in their respective teams' abilities to perform under these circumstances. The series is expected to draw significant attention from fans and analysts alike, given the changes in leadership and team dynamics.

Background

The upcoming matches are crucial for both teams as they seek to build momentum and confidence ahead of future international fixtures. England's new leadership under Root and Pakistan's ability to adapt without Azam will be closely watched by cricket enthusiasts worldwide.

As the series unfolds, cricket fans can expect intense competition and strategic gameplay. The outcomes of these matches will likely influence team strategies and player selections in upcoming tournaments.

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Topics

Joe RootEngland cricketPakistan cricketBabar Azamcricket series

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