Joe Root clear favourite to skipper 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 Press Association understands claims his reappointment is a done deal are wide of the mark, he is now a clear favourite to succeed Stokes.Joe Root, left, is favourite to succeed Ben Stokes as England Test captain (Jacob King/PA) (PA Wire)Harry Brook is the only other viable candidate and he said last month it would be a “great honour” to assume