England’s next men’s Test captain and head coach are both being considered as the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) navigates a complex appointment process ahead of the Pakistan tour. Multiple reports indicate Joe Root is the frontrunner to act as Test captain for the three-match series beginning next month, particularly if a coaching appointment is still being finalized when the squad assembles. The Athletic reports that England are likely to approach Marcus Trescothick to take an interim head coach role for the Pakistan series as options for a permanent coach are weighed; his stint could be arranged as the ECB works through its shortlisted candidates. The Guardian adds that the ECB is running multiple shortlists: one for a permanent red-ball coach, and another for potential interim arrangements. If the selection process is not completed before the series, England would also need an interim captain. Root is cited as the most likely choice for that responsibility, based on his prior experience standing in during the recent Test at the Oval. His acting captaincy could extend through to the next summer’s Ashes depending on how the coaching appointment timeline develops.