Ben Stokes has officially been unveiled as England 's new Test captain, with the all-rounder succeeding former skipper Joe Root.
Root stood down as captain earlier this month after five years in the job, following England's latest series defeat to the West Indies. Stokes was widely expected to replace Root and his appointment has now been confirmed, with the 30-year-old becoming the 81st captain of the England men's Test team.
In a statement, Stokes described the captaincy as "a real privilege" and paid tribute to his close friend and confidante Root, labelling him "a great ambassador for the sport all across the world".
You can read Root's full statement right below...
"I am honoured to be given the chance to lead the England Test team. This is a real privilege, and I’m excited about getting started this summer.
"I want to thank Joe for everything he has done for English Cricket and for always being a great ambassador for the sport all across the world.
"He has been a massive part of my development as a leader in the dressing room, and he will continue to be a key ally for me in this role."
Managing Director of England Men's Cricket Rob Key said he was "delighted" that Stokes had accepted the offer to become captain, insisting the 30-year-old is "ready for the added responsibility".
He said: "I had no hesitation in offering the role of Test captain to Ben. He epitomises the mentality and approach we want to take this team forward into the next era of red-ball cricket.
"I am delighted that he has accepted, and he is ready for the added responsibility and the honour. He thoroughly deserves the opportunity."
ECB chief executive Tom Harrison said he was confident Stokes will "relish the challenge" of captaining England, backing him to lead England "into a new era with great pride".
Harrison said: "I am delighted that Ben has agreed to become England Men's Test captain, which is another great achievement in his extraordinary career in an England shirt.
"He cares deeply and passionately about what it means to represent England and he will lead us into a new era with great pride. It's an important summer for our Test side and Ben will I am sure relish the challenge before him and his team."
