Joe Root has affirmed that Ben Stokes continues to hold the full respect of England’s cricket team despite breaching team rules that led to his suspension. Root, serving as stand-in captain for the Second Test against New Zealand at The Oval, emphasized the strong regard his teammates have for Stokes, who is currently sidelined for breaking a midnight curfew he helped establish.

Ahead of the match beginning Friday, Root confirmed he has maintained regular contact with Stokes, describing their conversations as private but underscoring the former England captain’s leadership qualities. “He’s been a phenomenal leader,” Root said, noting the significant achievements under Stokes’ captaincy, including numerous Test wins. Root also highlighted Stokes’ role as a key player and influential figure within the squad.

While acknowledging the disciplinary lapse, Root stressed that the team is highly professional and committed, and cautioned against letting mistakes overshadow overall conduct. “We have to learn from those mistakes and understand we shouldn’t be putting ourselves in those situations,” he said, adding that celebrations should occur at appropriate times.

Root declined to confirm whether Stokes will resume the captaincy in the future, aligning with comments from team director Rob Key and head coach Brendon McCullum, who have also remained noncommittal. Stokes is expected to return to competitive cricket with Durham in a county fixture against Northamptonshire on Friday, with Durham coach Ryan Campbell describing Stokes as being in “good spirits.” This contrasts with earlier concerns expressed by McCullum regarding Stokes’ wellbeing during his suspension.

As for his own role, Root, 35, indicated he is relishing the opportunity to lead again and did not rule out taking on the captaincy permanently. Reflecting on his previous tenure, which ended in 2022, Root said he feels more prepared this time, noting that the last two years of his captaincy coincided with the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. He praised the collaboration with McCullum since Stokes took over as captain, describing it as the most engaging phase of his career.

In team news, England will field three debutants in this Test: wicketkeeper James Rew, Jordan Cox, and Sonny Baker. Jamie Smith, who had been part of the squad, is absent following the birth of his second child. Stokes addressed the team publicly for the first time since his suspension via social media, encouraging the new players: “Go well this week men. Debutants do what you been doing.”

England’s XI for the Second Test is Dom Duckett, Tom Hill Gay, Matthew Bethell, Joe Root (capt), Harry Brook, James Rew (wicketkeeper), Jordan Cox, Jofra Archer, Matthew Tongue, Matthew Fisher, and Sonny Baker. New Zealand will be led by captain Tom Latham with a squad including Will Conway, Henry Nicholls, Rachin Ravindra, Tom Mitchell, Tim Blundell (wicketkeeper), William Phillips, Will Smith, Neil Jamieson, Blair O’Rourke, and Matt Henry.