Ben Stokes set to be named as England's Test Captain: Reports

According to the latest reports, Ben Stokes will be confirmed as the England Test captain this week. The new England Managing Director of Cricket, Rob Key, is said to have agreed on the appointment of Stokes for the leadership role.

Key travelled to Durham on Tuesday for a face to face meeting with the all-rounder. The England Cricket Board (ECB) have confirmed a press conference with Key on Thursday at Lord's.

The role was left vacant since Joe Root stepped down from the position earlier this month. This move had come after England's run of just one win in their last 17 Tests. The team had a disastrous tour of Australia, and the series loss against the West Indies was the final nail in the coffin that forced Root to leave the captaincy role.

Key is also expected to announce the red and white-ball coaches for the England team in the proposed press conference. According to reports, Gary Kirsten is the front-runner to replace Chris Silverwood as the new England Test coach.

Gary Kirsten is currently serving as the batting coach and mentor of the Gujarat Titans team. However, the former South African batter is said to have been more than interested in this role and is ready to leave the franchise for the England stint.

In 2019, Chris Silverwood had pipped Kirsten for the coaching role of the England team.

The England team is scheduled to play a Test series against New Zealand next month, with the first fixture from June 2. On the other hand, the IPL final will take place on May 29.

In this case, if the Titans reach the IPL final, it will give Kirsten just four days to interact with the players if chosen as the head coach of the Test team.