Breaking News : Ben Stokes: England's new Test captain
On Thursday, ECB confirmed that the star all-rounder Ben Stokes has been appointed as the new Test captain of England. Ben Stokes will take over the reins from Joe Root to become 81st Test captain.
Captain Ben StokesJoe Root stepped down from the captaincy role after five years of being in charge of the part and leading the side for 64 Test matches.
"I had no hesitation in offering the role of Test captain to Ben," the Managing Director of England men's cricket, Rob Key, said on Thursday.
The England and Wales Cricket Board's chief executive officer, Tom Harrison, congratulated the English all-rounder on the appointment. "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," Harrison said in a release issued by the ECB.
Ben Stokes thanked former skipper Joe Root after being appointed as the captain in response to the prominent role offered.
"I am honoured to be given a 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 (Root) 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," said Ben Stokes.
Ben Stokes has been a remarkable Test player. The 30-year-old all-rounder scored 5061 runs and scalped 174 wickets in 79 Test matches. He had also been magnificent in his role as a vice-captain across the two spells since 2017. He will indeed ace his role as captain for England's Test team.