Yorkshire batsman says he's privileged and honoured at being given England's prestigious Test captaincy
Joe Root
London: Joe Root described himself as "privileged, humbled and very excited" after being confirmed as England's new Test captain.
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Yorkshire batsman Root succeeds Alastair Cook, who resigned last week after his record 59-match tenure.
England and Wales Cricket Board director Andrew Strauss confirmed he canvassed the opinion of several senior players — and interviewed Root too — before the 26-year-old was offered the job on Sunday.
The ECB then made the widely-anticipated announcement on yesterday.
Root, who had been Cook's vice-captain since May last year, will have five months to prepare for his first Test in charge — against South Africa at Lord's on July 6.
He said: "It is a huge honour to be given the England Test captaincy. I feel privileged, humbled and very excited."
All-rounder Ben Stokes will be Root's vice-captain, as England seek to establish a new leadership era not just against South Africa and West Indies in the forthcoming summer but to face Australia in next winter's Ashes.
"'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 while there's a natural progression for me, it's a huge support to know that they are there to help and advise," added Root, who averages almost 53 in his 53 Tests to date.
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