Ben Stokes has been appointed the new captain of the England men's Test team, succeeding Joe Root in the role.
New managing director of men's cricket Rob Key met with Stokes earlier this week and the all-rounder has now agreed to take on the position
Stokes said in a statement he was "honoured" to become captain, while also thanking Root for the "massive part" he played in his development as a leader.
"I am honoured to be given the chance to lead the England Test team," he said. "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."
Key said in a statement he had "no hesitation" in offering the job to Stokes, adding: "He epitomises the mentality and approach we want to take this team forward into the next era of red-ball cricket."
Speaking exclusively to Sky Sports News following the announcement, Key said: "The time is right for him [Stokes].
"Ultimately he has been a leader in that dressing room for a long, long time. He has been the one that people have turned to a lot of the time, that people follow.
"He will be a strong leader, make no mistake about that. He has a good cricket brain and a hell of a lot of empathy as well."
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