Joe Root was “privileged and humbled” to be promoted to replace Alastair Cook on Monday to start a new era for an England Test team that his predecessor admitted had “stagnated” in 2016.

At 26 Root becomes the second youngest Test captain in world cricket, behind West Indies’s Jason Holder, and takes charge of an England team beaten 4-0 in India before Christmas and languishing at fifth in the world rankings.

In reality he was the only candidate to take over from Cook, who resigned last week burnt out by the burdens of the job after four years in charge of the team. Andrew Strauss, the team director, took his time over the appointment meeting Root in person on Thursday and consulting other senior players. Strauss also appointed Ben Stokes as vice-captain on Monday.

“It is a huge honour to be given the England Test captaincy,” said Root. “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.”