Probable teams and officials for the first Test between England and South Africa at Lord’s on Thursday.
But now the 26-year-old faces a completely different challenge and doubts over his captaincy will naturally linger until he proves his worth out in the middle.
Since making his international debut five years ago in India, Root has demonstrated a tenacity and determination that has taken him to the top of the ICC batting rankings.
Faf du Plessis’ side have won four Test series in a row, last succumbing to defeat against England at home in 2015, but the Proteas have endured a difficult few months.
England: Alastair Cook, Keaton Jennings, Joe Root (capt), Gary Ballance, Jonny Bairstow (wkt), Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali, Liam Dawson, Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Mark Wood
South Africa: Dean Elgar (capt), Heino Kuhn, Hashim Amla, JP Duminy, Temba Bavuma, Theunis de Bruyn, Quinton de Kock (wkt), Vernon Philander, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Morne Morkel
