Star 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 painful defeats.  Stokes, 30, who served as Root’s deputy, was the overwhelming favourite to take charge of a struggling team that have won just one of their past 17 matches. Stokes, whose career is peppered with staggering performances with bat and ball, has been a loyal lieutenant to Root and made a point of praising his friend and predecessor in a short statement. 

‘Joe, a great ambassador’

“I am honoured to be given the 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 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,” he said.