Former England captain Michael Vaughan believes returning to the Test captaincy could rejuvenate Joe Root in the later stages of his career. Vaughan said the role may provide fresh motivation for Root, who previously stepped down in 2022 after the pressures of captaincy affected him, and could help him pursue further milestones including an Ashes win.

Root, 35, led England to 27 Test victories in 65 matches between 2017 and 2022, a period Vaughan said was complicated by a focus on white-ball cricket and the Covid-19 pandemic. He will initially work under interim coach Marcus Trescothick before Stephen Fleming takes charge for the South Africa tour; Fleming has agreed a four-year deal covering the next two Ashes series.