Ben Stokes has officially been named England 's new Test captain, replacing Joe Root after he resigned earlier this month.
England's new Managing Director of Men's Cricket Rob Key offered Stokes the job on Tuesday after travelling up to Durham for face to face talks with the all-rounder. And Stokes has accepted the job after Root stood down following a 1-0 series defeat to the West Indies.
Stokes previously captained England in a Test against the West Indies at the Rose Bowl in 2020, with Root on paternity leave to attend the birth of his second child. The ECB confirmed his appointment as Root's replacement in a statement, with the all-rounder saying: "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."
Key added: "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."
Stokes' appointment will come as a shot in the arm for the misfiring Test team who are languishing at the bottom of the World Test Championship. His competitive and full throttle approach to the game as a player is certain to energise the side as captain, with players ready to follow his lead.
Key has spoken with all the senior players in the setup over the past two weeks and it is clear that Stokes' qualities as a leader were given full support. And in the case of the two most senior bowlers James Anderson and Stuart Broad, the duo are set to return with Stokes' complete backing in June.
Now that a new captain has been appointed, Key can turn his attention to finding Chris Silverwood's replacement as head coach. Key has already decided to split the role, with the ECB advertising for two separate head coaches in red and white ball cricket.
The likes of Simon Katich and Gary Kirsten are in the running to coach the Test team, while Ricky Ponting and Mahela Jayawardene have ruled themselves out of contention for the white ball job. Stokes' first Test in charge will see his side take on New Zealand at Lord's on June 2, with England set to play seven Test matches this summer.
