Finally, the Miracle Man named captain of England Test team

Star all-rounder Ben Stokes has been appointed captain of the England Men’s Test team by the England & Wales Cricket Board. Stokes succeeds Joe Root as 81st Test captain of the England team.

The ECB Interim Chair and Chief Executive Officer confirmed the development on Tuesday evening following the proposal by England's new Managing Director, Rob Key.

Rob Key travelled to Durham to have a face-to-face conversation with the England all-rounder to offer him the opportunity, which Stokes accepted. 

Speaking on Stokes' appointment as the Test captain, Rob Key, said, "I want to thank Joe 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."

Key added, "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.

The ECB Chief Executive Officer, 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.”

Stokes, who was Root's deputy, took an indefinite break from cricket last year to focus on his mental health while also recovering from a finger injury. 

Stokes made his Test debut in December 2013 and was announced as a vice-captain in February 2017. He also led the team from the front in Root's absence when he took a small break for the birth of his second child in the summer of 2020. For the unversed, Root stepped down as England Test captain earlier this month following dismal tours of Australia and the West Indies. 

England Men’s Test Captain, Stokes said about his appointment 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.”