Root vows to be with new England skipper Stokes 'every step of the way'

Joe Root promised to be with new England Test captain Ben Stokes "every step of the way" after his close friend was appointed as his successor on Thursday. The 30-year-old Stokes, who served as Root's deputy, was the overwhelming favourite to take charge of a struggling team that have won just one of their past 17 Test matches.

Read AlsoBen Stokes succeeds Joe Root as England's Test captain

England unveiled Ben Stokes as their Test captain on Thursday, hoping for a swift turnaround under the talismanic all-rounder after a tame end to Joe Root's five years in charge of the team earlier this month. Root led England in a record 64 Tests but his role became untenable after they managed one

Root stood down earlier this month following a series loss in the Caribbean, which came after England's 4-0 Ashes defeat in Australia. But the star batsman, who has continued to pile on the runs despite England's woeful run of results, said he would give Stokes his complete support. "Always got each other's backs," Root tweeted. "Congratulations mate, I'll be right with you every step of the way."

Former England captain Kevin Pietersen also backed star all-rounder Stokes's appointment, tweeting: "Congrats, @benstokes38! An incredible honour and I know you'll do all of us England fans proud!"

Read AlsoBen Stokes: Inspirational all-rounder turned England Test captain

Talismanic all-rounder Ben Stokes has long been England's go-to guy with both bat and ball. Now he has the added challenge of resurrecting the nation as a force in Test cricket. The charismatic 30-year-old replaces his friend Joe Root, who stepped down earlier this month after five years in charge,

And British Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave his endorsement to Stokes. "The