Wednesday 15 February 2017 09:35, UK
Joe Root has been confirmed as Alastair Cook's successor as England Test captain.
The 26-year-old will take charge for the first time against South Africa in July replacing Cook, who resigned earlier this months after four years in charge.
The Yorkshireman will become England's 80th Test captain when he takes the field in opening Test of that series at Lord's.
Durham all-rounder Ben Stokes will act as his vice-captain.
Root is expected to be presented to the media at Headingley on Wednesday.
ECB chairman Colin Graves said: "Joe Root is the perfect choice for England Test captain. I'm delighted that he has accepted the role and will now help to take the team to the next level.
"When I spoke to him last night you could feel the excitement and sense the pride - he can't wait to get started.
"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.
"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."
Root had been Cook's vice-captain since 2015 and was seen as one of three leading candidates to replace the opener, along with Stuart Broad and Ben Stokes.
Cook stepped down on February 6 after thinking about his future as captain in the wake of the 4-0 Test series defeat in India, one he said had left him "drained".
Root will have time to settle into the role with England concentrating mainly on 50-over cricket until July.
They head to the West Indies for three one-day internationals in early March and then play two games against Ireland before the ICC Champions Trophy begins on June 1.
