Root led England in a record 64 Tests but his role becameuntenable after they managed one win in their last 17 Tests, a run whichincluded a 4-0 Ashes thrashing in Australia and a 1-0 series defeat in WestIndies.
"I had no hesitation in offering the role of Testcaptain to Ben," Rob Key said in a statement in his first majorappointment since taking over as the managing director of England men"s cricketearlier this month.
"He epitomises the mentality and approach we want totake this team forward into the next era of red-ball cricket."
Root, who initially wanted to continue in the job, steppeddown citing the heavy toll it took on him.
The 30-year-old Stokes, who has scored more than 5,000 runsand taken 174 wickets in his 79 Tests for England, called it an"honour" to lead the Test side.
"This is a real privilege, and I"m excited aboutgetting started this summer," the Durham player said.
Arguably the greatest all-rounder of his era, Stokesacknowledged Root"s role in his development as a leading figure in the Englanddressing room.
"I want to thank Joe for everything he has done forEnglish cricket and for always being a great ambassador for the sport allacross the world," Stokes said of England"s batting mainstay.
"He has been a massive part of my development as aleader in the dressing room, and he will continue to be a key ally for me inthis role."
OBVIOUS CHOICE
While Stokes was an obvious choice to replace Root, hisbattles with injuries and workload remain a concern for the team.
He also took an indefinite break from cricket last year tofocus on his mental health.
England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chief executive TomHarrison was optimistic of a glorious "new era" under Stokes.
"He cares deeply and passionately about what it meansto represent England and he will lead us into a new era with great pride,"Harrison said.
"It"s an important summer for our Test side and Benwill, I am sure, relish the challenge before him and his team."
Stokes" first assignment will be a two-match home seriesagainst New Zealand in June.
As Test captain, his views will be crucial to the future ofJames Anderson and Stuart Broad, England"s two most prolific Test bowlers, whohave been left out of the squad recently.
Under Key, England have also advertised for separatered-ball and white-ball coaches following Chris Silverwood"s resignation inFebruary.
