Stokes, a close friend of Root’s, was left out of England’s squad after he breached the team’s midnight curfew the night after victory in the first Test and was present when a member of England’s security staff was struck by a Saracens rugby player.
Root said he has spoken to Stokes since last week’s incident but he wanted to keep their conversations private. He maintained Stokes still holds the respect of the dressing room.
Root’s previous tenure ended with a run of one win in 17 Tests and he said he would have rated the chances of him becoming skipper again a “0.1% chance” earlier this year.
Last year, he said the “ship had sailed” in regards to him becoming England’s white-ball captain.
Speaking on Wednesday, Root said: “Let’s not look beyond this week.
“That’s the most important thing, trying to deliver a really good performance this week.
“It’s quite a young group of players. So, [I want] to offer my experience in that capacity and focus purely on trying to deliver this week.”
Root has been chosen over vice-captain Harry Brook, who was overlooked amid his own off-field controversy in Wellington when he was clocked by a bouncer the night before a white-ball game last winter.
He will lead an inexperienced England team, including debutants Jordan Cox and Sonny Baker this week.
It is still unclear whether wicketkeeper Jamie Smith, whose wife is expecting their second child, will be available. If not, a third debutant, Somerset’s James Rew, will play.
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