London (AFP) - Talismanic all-rounder Ben Stokes was named as England's new Test captain on Thursday, replacing Joe Root, who stood down earlier this month after a string of damaging defeats.
Stokes, who was the favourite for the job, said he was "honoured to be given the chance to lead the England Test team" ahead of a busy season of international cricket.
"This is a real privilege and I’m excited about getting started this summer," said the 30-year-old.
"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."
Root resigned after five years in charge following a 1-0 series loss in the Caribbean, which came hot on the heels of a humiliating 4-0 Ashes defeat in Australia.
New managing director of England men's cricket Rob Key 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."
Stokes's first match as the permanent England captain will come against New Zealand, the country of his birth, at the start of a three-Test series at Lord's on June 2.
