Stokes’ retirement, McCullum exit, Carse row & Root’s return end in 3-0 Pakistan sweep

What a summer it's been for England cricket—truly one for the history books! 🏏

England have swept Pakistan 30-0 in the Test series, capping it off with a smooth 8-wicket win at Edgbaston on Sat. But let's be honest, it was far from a smooth ride for the Red Roses.

A Summer of Upheaval

Joe Root steps back into the captaincy after Ben Stokes retired from international cricket, while Brendon McCullum has moved on—Stephen Fleming now takes the head coach reins. Throw in the Brydon Carse nightclub incident that saw him dropped from the squad, and you've got quite the story. As Root put it, "It's been a very unusual summer."

Rising Above the Chaos

Despite all the offfield noise, England stayed clinical. In the 3rd Test, Pakistan fought back hard—Shan Masood 95, Babar 76, and debutant Razaullah blasting a fiery 81 (with 9 sixes!)—but England chased down 130 with ease. Root finished unbeaten on 62, with Jordan Cox 59, in a solid 128-run partnership.

Kudos All Around

Root was quick to credit the Stokes-McCullum legacy, calling this "a continuation and a small evolution" of their revolutionary work. He also praised interim coach Marcus Trescothick for steering the team through the transition with grace.

The clarity moving forward is palpable—and England look ready to keep evolving. 💪

What do you think—were the coaching changes the right call for England?

Source: Times of India