Ben Stokes says he will captain England his own way in the first Test against the West Indies following advice from regular skipper Joe Root. Yorkshire batsman Root is missing the opening match of the bio-secure series starting on Wednesday—the first major international cricket fixture since March—to attend the birth of his second child. Vice-captain Stokes, who will lead the side in his absence, was asked by reporters on Tuesday what was the best advice he had received about his new role.

"The best message that I have received was when I got my photos done yesterday [Monday] in the blazer," said the star all-rounder. "Rooty" just left a message on the hanger which said 'Do it your way'. Even though Root will not be with the squad at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton for the first Test in the three-match campaign, Stokes said he would not have any qualms about contacting his friend.

"Just because Joe is not here doesn't mean I am not going to use him," said Stokes, who will be captaining a team for the first time since he was a teenager. "With Joe and his personal situation, it's been about letting him deal with that. I haven't been on him too much but I am sure when the Test match starts, I know for a fact he will be at home watching and I know that his phone will always be available for me to get in contact with him if I need to."