Ben Stokes has been confirmed as England's new Test captain.
The all-rounder, 30, takes over from Joe Root - who recently announced his decision to step down after almost five years in the role.
Stokes has 5,061 runs and 174 wickets in 79 Tests
Root oversaw a record 64 Tests but said the captaincy eventually took its toll
While Root holds the record for most victories as the nation's Test captain with 27, his reign ended in nine matches without a win and losses in each of the last five series, including a humbling Ashes defeat in Australia.
It sparked a complete reset of England's red-ball set up, with Rob Key recently appointed as the ECB's new managing director and tasked with orchestrating a brighter future.
Now Stokes, England's most inspirational figure, has been announced as the man to lead the revolution on the field, starting with the a three-match series against New Zealand in June.
The Durham star said: "I am honoured to be given the chance to lead the England Test team. This is a real privilege, and I'm excited about getting started this summer.
"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 has been a massive part of my development as a leader in the dressing room, and he will continue to be a key ally for me in this role."
Stokes appeared the obvious choice for Key - despite the all-rounder being stripped of the vice-captaincy in 2018 after an infamous street brawl in Bristol.
Stokes took an extended break from cricket in July 2021 for his mental wellbeing
Having been found not guilty of affray, Stokes was later reinstated as Root's deputy - and has since been at the centre of England's most memorable moments in recent years.
The all-rounder guided England to a stunning draw in the 2019 Ashes Test at Headingley, before starring in the ODI World Cup triumph that year.
Key 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. I am delighted that he has accepted, and he is ready for the added responsibility and the honour. He thoroughly deserves the opportunity."
Meanwhile, ECB chief Tom Harrison said: "I am delighted that Ben has agreed to become England Men's Test captain, which is another great achievement in his extraordinary career in an England shirt.
"He cares deeply and passionately about what it means to represent England and he will lead us into a new era with great pride. It's an important summer for our Test side and Ben will I am sure relish the challenge before him and his team."
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