Joe Root Test Captaincy Record: A Look at His Home and Away Numbers

Not many would have expected Joe Root to lead England’s Test side again after leaving the captaincy in 2022. But circumstances have shifted quickly following England’s opening-Test win over New Zealand at one of the best cricket stadiums in the world, Lord’s, creating an unexpected leadership change ahead of the next match.

Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson reportedly attended a nightclub after the game and were later linked to an alleged incident involving a rugby player. Shortly afterwards, the ECB confirmed that both players would not be considered for selection for the second Test at The Oval, beginning on June 17, while the matter remains under investigation.

In Stokes’ absence, Joe Root England captaincy return, marks his comeback to the position after stepping away from it more than four years earlier. As he has been brought back to lead England's national side, let's have a look at Joe Root test captaincy record in England as well as in away fixtures ahead of the 2nd Test against New Zealand.

Joe Root Test Captaincy Record

One of the best Test batsmen in the world, Joe Root, first assumed England’s Test captaincy in 2017, succeeding Alastair Cook in the leadership role. During his stint as leader, England registered notable achievements, including a home series victory over India in 2018 and an away success against South Africa during the 2019–20 campaign. However, the closing phase of his leadership was difficult.

A heavy 4-0 Ashes loss in Australia was followed by home series defeats against New Zealand and India, before England ended that period with a 1-0 setback against the West Indies in the Caribbean. Since 2022, Ben Stokes has led the Test side, while vice-captain Harry Brook was overlooked for the temporary appointment.

Reports suggest the ECB opted for Root as an interim solution, allowing the possibility of Stokes resuming captaincy once the investigation reaches its conclusion.

Joe Root Test Captaincy Record in England

Joe Root’s strongest results as England’s Test captain came in home conditions. In 31 Test matches in England, he guided the team to 17 wins, alongside 9 defeats and 5 draws, finishing with a home success rate close to 55%. One of the major highlights of his spell was England’s 4–1 home series victory over India in 2018. However, the final chapter of his leadership went very differently during the West Indies tour in 2022.

Following a draw in the opening two Tests, England were comprehensively beaten in the decider at Grenada, going down by 10 wickets in a result that showed the team’s struggles. Before returning home, Root had already decided his future. England’s overall record under him had dipped sharply, with the side managing only one victory in their last 17 Test appearances during his tenure.