Joe Root named England skipper; Ben Stokes named vice-captain

After a long and tedious process, Joe Root has finally been confirmed as the England Test match skipper, a role he has taken over from Alastair Cook. While Root takes up the leadership, it is his deputy Ben Stokes who has taken up the role the former held previously, something that will also see his leadership put to the test. Colin Graves, the chief of the England and Wales Cricket Board went ahead and confirmed the naming of the skipper.

“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.

“Joe is a fine player and a fine person who has the respect of the players, the selectors and all at the ECB. He also has a changing room with experienced players and leaders who will support him from the start.

Graves also went on to add that being the Test captain of such a side required he likes of Root to find himself in a role that he definitely deserves. “The role of Test captain is an honour and a responsibility which he thoroughly deserves. Joe has maturity beyond his years and having seen him develop at Yorkshire over the last ten years I know his qualities well.

“I offer my congratulations to Joe for becoming Test captain and, once again, my thanks to Alastair Cook for the way he has developed the team, the timing of his decision and the platform he has given his successor.”

While it was Root who did indeed resonate the privileges of being the captain, he also went on to show respect to his predecessor for the amount of faith that has indeed been shown in him and that he was looking to build on Cook’s amazing performances.

“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.

Colin Graves also went ahead and announced that Ben Stokes, the fiery all-rounder will certainly be filling in the role that has been vacated by Joe Root and has also subsequently been named as the vice-captain for the same.

“I’m also delighted that Ben Stokes will take over from Joe as vice captain of the team. He has real presence and influence within the team environment that serve as a great source of support for Joe. I have no doubts that the responsibility will also help Ben to continue his rapid rise as a world class all-rounder.”

Also read – I imagine being the England captain: Joe Root