Joe Root is set to return as England’s Test captain, and his second spell in charge could continue with next summer’s home Ashes against Australia, The Athletic reported on Friday.England’s search for a new Test captain is on Ben Stokes‘Retirement from international cricket looks set to end with Root returning to the role.The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is expected to announce Root as captain for the three-Test series against Pakistan, starting on August 19, and to be selected for next year’s Ashes, the Athletic report said.The move would allow Harry BrookDeputy Stokes in Tests, to continue to be the leader of the white ball of England ahead of the 50-over World Cup next year, and continue to work with T20 and one-day international coach, Brendon McCullum.England are searching for a new Test coach after McCullum was parted in the red ball format. According to a report by The Athletic, assistant coach Marcus Trescothick is expected to take charge of the Pakistan team on an interim basis.The ECB have faced a difficult month following the collapse of England’s first Test of the summer against New Zealand, which left the club searching for a new captain and a new Test coach.Stokes announced his retirement in the third Test of the series, which England lost 2-1. Soon after, the ECB decided to replace McCullum after four years as Test coach.Root had already stepped in as captain for the second Test in New Zealand after Stokes was suspended after a night of drinking in Chelsea after the first Test, which caused further problems for English cricket.This seems to have convinced the ECB that Root is the best option for the role.The only doubt was whether Root, England’s all-time leading scorer, wanted to return to the captaincy after declaring his retirement when his first spell ended in 2022. He stepped down as England won just once in 17 Tests.Now Root, who is currently playing for the Welsh Fire in The Hundred, is set to lead England again, starting with the Pakistan series, as the team look to recover from a difficult year.England started 2026 with a 4-1 Ashes loss to Australia and suffered their first home loss since 2012 against New Zealand.