Mark Butcher has openly criticized the England and Wales Cricket Board's (ECB) decision to reappoint Joe Root as England Test captain, labeling it a "retrograde step" for the team. The announcement, made on Thursday, sees Root reclaiming the role he relinquished to Ben Stokes in 2022, alongside the confirmation of former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming as the new Test head coach.

Root's tenure as captain was marked by struggles, accumulating just one victory from his last 17 matches. He had previously led England in a record 65 matches, and his last appearance as captain was during a game against New Zealand earlier this summer while filling in for Stokes.

Butcher, a former England Test player, expressed disappointment at the ECB's choice, stating:

Sadly, I'm not surprised. I was hoping that was a decision they weren't going to make. This revolutionizing of the way we play Test match cricket came off the back of 17 Test matches with only one victory under Joe.

The ECB's decision comes amid a lack of alternatives following Stokes' unexpected retirement from international cricket, leaving Harry Brook as the only viable option aside from Root. With a three-match Test series against Pakistan set to begin on August 19, the decision was made under time constraints.

Root had previously described his captaincy as having become "very unhealthy" and noted the toll it took on him. Butcher reiterated this sentiment, stating that Root's performance improved after stepping down.

Despite the concerns around Root's reappointment, former cricketer Simon Doull praised Fleming as an exceptional choice for head coach, suggesting that his structured yet innovative approach could complement Root effectively. Doull emphasized that the combination of Fleming and Root could lead to a remarkable coaching partnership.

The upcoming Test series against Pakistan will commence at Headingley on August 19, followed by matches at Lord's and Edgbaston.