“I feel privileged, humbled and very excited”
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Joe Root has been bestowed with the honour of being named England’s new Test captain.
Root succeeds Alastair Cook, who stepped down from the position last Monday, and his first Test as skipper will come against South Africa in the first week of July.
Root, who will be England’s 80th Test captain, served as vice-captain for the past 18 months and was widely regarded as the frontrunner to replace Cook once he resigned.
“It is a huge honour to be given the England Test captaincy,” Root said. “I feel privileged, humbled and very excited.
“We have a very good group of players and I’m looking forward to leading them out in the summer, building on Alastair’s achievements and making the most of our talents in the years ahead.
“The senior guys in the changing room play a very influential role and whilst there’s a natural progression for me it’s a huge support to know that they are there to help and advise.”
Speaking about Root’s appointment, England director of cricket Andrew Strauss said: “Joe is the right man to be our next Test captain and I’m thrilled that he has accepted the role.
“After Alastair Cook stepped down last week, the selectors and I engaged in the proper process to appoint his successor. Following informal and formal conversations with members of the Test team at the end of the week, the offer was put to Joe and he accepted immediately.
“Joe has shown a number of admirable qualities in his Test career so far. Making his debut in 2012 at the age of 21 and going on to establish himself as one of the premier batsmen in all forms of the game in such a short period of time demonstrates his drive, determination, cricketing intelligence and an ability to learn that will serve him well in his new role.
“He is universally respected by his team mates, passionate about driving the Test team forward and extremely excited about the prospect of leading his country.”
England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chairman Colin Graves echoed Strauss’ sentiments, and added: “Joe Root is the perfect choice for England Test captain. I’m delighted that he has accepted the role and will now help to take the team to the next level.
“When I spoke to him last night you could feel the excitement and sense the pride – he can’t wait to get started.
“Joe is a fine player and a fine person who has the respect of the players, the selectors and all at the ECB. He also has a changing room with experienced players and leaders who will support him from the start.
“The role of Test captain is an honour and a responsibility which he thoroughly deserves. Joe has maturity beyond his years and having seen him develop at Yorkshire over the last ten years I know his qualities well.
“I offer my congratulations to Joe for becoming Test captain and, once again, my thanks to Alastair Cook for the way he has developed the team, the timing of his decision and the platform he has given his successor.”
It has also been confirmed that all-rounder Ben Stokes will be the country’s new vice-captain in the longest format.
“I’m also delighted that Ben Stokes will take over from Joe as vice captain of the team,” Strauss said. “He has real presence and influence within the team environment that serve as a great source of support for Joe. I have no doubts that the responsibility will also help Ben to continue his rapid rise as a world class all-rounder.”