BEN STOKES has been appointed as England’s new Test captain and says he is “honoured” to accept the role.

Stokes takes over from Joe Root, who quit earlier this month after five years and a record 64 games in charge.

The 30-year-old all-rounder, who served as Root’s deputy and led the side once before in 2020, is England’s 81st Test skipper and was the overwhelming favourite to take charge of a team that has won just once in its last 17 Tests.