Joe Root clear favourite to captain England for Pakistan series

Joe Root has emerged as the frontrunner to be reinstalled as England Test captain for next month’s three-match series against Pakistan.England are without a Test captain or head coach following Ben Stokes’ sudden international retirement after last month’s 2-1 loss to New Zealand, which led to Brendon McCullum’s role being downsized to overseeing the white-ball teams.According to The Athletic, Root is poised for another captaincy stint and while the it’s understood claims his reappointment is a done deal are wide of the mark, he is now a clear favourite to succeed Stokes.Harry Brook is the only other viable candidate and he said last month it would be a “great honour” to assume the Test mantle, while Stokes even endorsed his deputy at his farewell media conference.Joe Root, left, is favour