Ben Stokes named England's Test captain

On Thursday,  star all-rounder Ben Stokes was named as England's new Test captain, replacing Joe Root, who stood down earlier this month after a string of defeats in the last season. 

The 30-year old was the favourite to replace his good friend Root and said he was honoured to be given an opportunity to lead the national side ahead of a busy international season.  

With the bat 🏏
With the ball 🔴
In the field 🤲
Our leader 🧢 pic.twitter.com/knXzk3s62z

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) April 28, 2022

"This is a real privilege, and I’m excited about getting started this summer," Stokes said. 

"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 further added. 

After being at the helm for five years, Root resigned from the role following a poor Ashes campaign and the 1-0 series defeat against West Indies away from home. 

Robert Key, the new managing director of England's men's cricket side 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."

The southpaw will take charge of the team in a three-Test match home series against New Zealand, the country of his birth, at the Home of Cricket on 2nd June. 

(With inputs from AFP)