“I had no hesitation in offering the role of Test captain to Ben,” Key said. “He epitomises the mentality and approach we want to take this team forward into the next era of red-ball cricket. I am delighted that he has accepted, and he is ready for the added responsibility and the honour. He thoroughly deserves the opportunity.”
“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.”
Stokes has not played since the tour of the Caribbean, where a 1-0 defeat to West Indies helped bring down the curtain on Root’s time as captain, having led the team in more Tests than any other Englishman.
He was sent for scans on a knee injury earlier this month but has been back in training ahead of a return for Durham, possibly as soon as next week. England’s next Test commitment comes against New Zealand, with a three-match series beginning at Lord’s on June 2.
Tom Harrison, the ECB’s chief executive officer, 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.”