England face Pakistan Tests with interim coach and interim captain likely

The Guardian reports that England may start their three-Test series against Pakistan on August 19, 2026, with neither leadership role permanently filled. Marcus Trescothick is the presumptive interim coach; Joe Root the frontrunner as interim captain, despite Ben Stokes anointing Harry Brook as successor before retiring. The ECB's coach search is stalled by candidates resisting a red-ball-only role.