Stokes, a close friend of Root, was omitted from the England squad after breaking the team's midnight curfew the night after the first Test victory and being present when a security staff member was struck by a Saracens rugby player.

Root confirmed he has spoken with Stokes since the incident last week but chose to keep those discussions private. He stressed that Stokes continues to command respect within the dressing room.

Root's earlier stint as captain concluded with just one win in 17 Tests. He described the odds of regaining the role earlier this year as a 0.1 percent chance at most.

Last year he declared the opportunity to become England's white-ball captain had passed.

Addressing reporters on Wednesday, Root stated the focus must remain solely on the current week and delivering a strong performance.

He noted the squad's youth and expressed a desire to share his experience while concentrating on immediate results.

Root was selected ahead of vice-captain Harry Brook, who faced his own off-field issue in Wellington after being struck by a bouncer the night before a white-ball match last winter.

He will lead an inexperienced side featuring debutants Jordan Cox and Sonny Baker this week.

Uncertainty remains over wicketkeeper Jamie Smith, whose wife is due to give birth to their second child. Should he be unavailable, Somerset's James Rew would make a third debut.

Root previously cited an unhealthy relationship with the captaincy as his reason for stepping down but said he needed only a brief reflection before agreeing to return.

He explained his decision centered on what benefits the team most and whether the role would unduly affect his personal life.

Reflecting on his prior tenure, Root highlighted the strain of playing roughly 20 Tests in Covid-restricted settings while watching the wider world return to normal routines.

He described living in isolation from society and how the prolonged pressure affected both the group and himself personally.

Root admitted he became overly consumed by the job, losing sight of the person he wanted to be, and viewed stepping away as the correct choice beyond just performance concerns.

He called the change a valuable fresh start for English cricket and the right move at the time.

Root added he is eager to experience the captaincy alongside Baz and the current coaching staff, noting he has never enjoyed working with a group of coaches more.