Joe Root to be next England Test captain

Joe Root to be next England Test captain

Root

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Root replaces Alastair Cook, who stepped down from the captaincy last week

Joe Root has been announced as the new captain of England's Test team.

The right-handed batsman, who viewed as one of the best batsmen of the current generation, will succeed Alastair Cook, who stepped down from the captaincy last week.

“It is a huge honour to be given the England Test captaincy," Root said in an ECB statement. "I feel privileged, humbled and very excited."

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All-rounder Ben Stokes will Root's new deputy.

Root started his Test career under Cook's captaincy against India in December 2012.

Cook, England's all-time leading Test run-scorer, is set to continue his career in the five-day game, withRootalso able to call upon the experience of senior fast bowlers James Anderson and Stuart Broad, as well as coach Trevor Bayliss and assistant Paul Farbrace.

"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," saidRoot.

"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."

(WION with inputs from AFP)