Joe Root named new England test captain

Star batsman Joe Root has been named as new Test captain of England, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced on Monday.

Yorkshire batsman Root, previously England’s vice-captain, had been the overwhelming favourite to replace Alastair Cook ever since the Essex opener resigned as Test skipper after a national record 59 matches in charge last



week.

Root, who made his England debut under Cook, is now widely regarded as England’s leading batsman.“It is a huge honour to be given the England Test captaincy,” the 26-year-old Root said in an ECB statement. “I feel privileged, humbled and very excited.”

The ECB added all-rounder Ben Stokes would succeed Root as vice-captain of the Test side.