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    Joe Root named England Test captain

    13 February 2017

    Joe Root has been appointed captain of the England Test team by the England & Wales Cricket Board.

    He succeeds Alastair Cook to become the 80th captain of the England Test team. He will be supported by Ben Stokes as England vice-captain. Colin Graves, Chairman of the ECB, approved the appointments on Sunday evening following the recommendation of the selectors under the guidance of Director of England Cricket Andrew Strauss.

    “Joe Root is the perfect choice for England Test captain," said Graves. "I’m delighted that he has accepted the role and will now help to take the team to the next level.

    "The role of Test captain is an honour and a responsibility which he thoroughly deserves."

    Joe Root made his Test debut in December 2012 and was named vice-captain to Alastair Cook in summer 2015. He scored the first of his eleven Test centuries at Headingley in May 2013 and currently has a total of 4,594 Test runs at an average of 52.80, placing him third in the ICC rankings for Test batsmen.

    Joe said “It is a huge honour to be given the England Test captaincy," said Root.

    "I feel privileged, humbled and very excited. 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 whilst there’s a natural progression for me it’s a huge support to know that they are there to help and advise. It is a huge honour to be given the England Test captaincy," said Root.

    "I feel privileged, humbled and very excited."

    After Cook stepped down from the role last week, Director of England Cricket Andrew Strauss consulted key members of the team and coaching staff and – with Head Coach Trevor Bayliss – held in-depth conversations with three players before the Selectors made their final decision.

    “Joe is the right man to be our next Test captain and I’m thrilled that he has accepted the role," said Strauss.

    Watch Joe Root and the England team for the first home match of the 2017 summer where they face Ireland on Friday May 5. Click here to secure your place.

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