Wales Cricket Board appointed Ben Stokes as the new captain of England's Cricket Team

Digital Desk: Ben Stokes has been named the team captain of the England and Wales Men's Test team. Joe Root resigned as captain of England earlier this month after a string of defeats, including a 0-4 loss to Australia in the Ashes.

At the moment, England is last in the ICC Test Championship points table.

"The England & Wales Cricket Board has named Durham's Ben Stokes captain of the England Men's Test team. He takes over as the 81st captain of the England Men's Test team, succeeding Joe Root. Following the proposal of England Men's Cricket Managing Director, Rob Key, the ECB Interim Chair and Chief Executive Officer accepted the appointment on Tuesday evening "In an official statement, the ECB stated.

Stokes' major goal is to avoid England's first series defeat against India in 15 years by winning the postponed fifth Test in July this year.

Stokes is regarded as one of England's most prolific match-winners in all game forms, succeeding Root, who ended a five-year tenure as captain. Even with recent setbacks, Root remains England's most successful Test captain.

Root led England to 27 victories and 26 defeats in 64 Tests. All of these are England captain records. Among those who have led England in 50 or more Tests, his win percentage of 42.18 is second only to Michael Vaughan's (50.98).

Managing Director of England Men's Cricket, Rob Key, commented on the appointment, saying:

"I offered Ben the position of Test captain without hesitation."

"He embodies the mindset and approach we want to take with this club as we enter the next phase of red-ball cricket." I'm delighted that he's agreed, and I'm confident he'll be up to the additional duty and honor. He is well-deserving of this chance."

ECB Chief Executive Officer Tom Harrison said, "I am happy that Ben has agreed to become the England Men's Test Captain, another significant milestone in his extraordinary career at the helm of England."

"He cares deeply and passionately about what it means to represent England and will lead us into a new era with great pride. It's a crucial summer for our Test side and I am sure Ben will enjoy the challenge that lies ahead of him and his team."

Stokes debuted in Test cricket in December 2013 and has since played 79 times for his country. In February 2017, he was chosen vice-captain, and he also served as captain when Root was away for the birth of his second child in the summer of 2020. Durham's star presently has 5,061 Test runs at a 35.89 average. With the ball, he has 174 wickets and is one of the top all-rounders in the world.

Ben Stokes, England's men's test captain, added:

"It is a privilege to be granted the opportunity to captain the England Test team." It is an incredible honor, and I'm looking forward to starting this summer."

"I'd like to congratulate Joe (Root) for everything he's done for English cricket, as well as for always being a fantastic advocate for the game around the world. He's been a huge part of my growth as a leader in the locker room, and he'll continue to be a valuable ally in this role."

Stokes will address media outlets next week in Durham.