Joe Root has been announced as England's new Test captain in succession to Alastair Cook.

Root, 26, was offered the role by England team director Andrew Strauss over the weekend and has now been upgraded from vice-captain, a role he has held since May 2015.

Strauss and chairman of selectors James Whitaker met with Root in Leeds last Thursday to discuss his vision for the future of the Test side, who were heavily beaten in India before Christmas.

Joe Root has been named as England's new Test captain following talks with Andrew Strauss

Cook quit the job last Monday, a matter of hours after the England one-day team returned from the limited overs section of the tour, leaving Root as the cast iron choice for the position.

'It is a huge honour to be given the England Test captaincy,' said Root in a statement on Monday. '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.

Alastair Cook (left) stepped down from the captaincy after four-and-a-half years in charge

ALASTAIR COOK Age: 32 County: Essex Test matches: 140 Test runs: 11057 Test average: 46.45 Advertisement

JOE ROOT Age: 26 County: Yorkshire Test matches: 53 Test runs: 4594 Test average: 52.80 Advertisement

'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.'

As Sportsmail revealed, senior players Ben Stokes and Stuart Broad were also seen face-to-face last Thursday and Stokes has since been confirmed as Root's new deputy.

The 53-cap Yorkshire batsman Root has little captaincy experience but is already a senior player despite his relatively young age.

England team director Andrew Strauss welcomed Root's appointment on Monday

Yorkshire congratulated Root on his journey from club cricketer to England captain

He captained the England Lions against New Zealand four years ago and he has led his county on occasions, including at the end of 2014 when they were crowned champions.

Strauss, who himself captained England's Test side in 50 matches, believes Root is the logical choice to succeed Cook.

'Joe is the right man to be our next Test captain and I'm thrilled that he has accepted the role,' said Strauss.

Durham all-rounder Ben Stokes was announced as Root's vice-captain on Monday

'After Alastair Cook stepped down last week, the Selectors and I engaged in the proper process to appoint his successor.

Following informal and formal conversations with members of the Test team at the end of the week, the offer was put to Joe and he accepted immediately.

'Joe has shown a number of admirable qualities in his Test career so far. Making his debut in 2012 at the age of 21 and going on to establish himself as one of the premier batsmen in all forms of the game in such a short period of time demonstrates his drive, determination, cricketing intelligence and an ability to learn that will serve him well in his new role.

'He is universally respected by his team mates, passionate about driving the Test team forward and extremely excited about the prospect of leading his country.

Root's first assignment as England captain will come against South Africa later this year

'I'm also delighted that Ben Stokes will take over from Joe as vice captain of the team. He has real presence and influence within the team environment that serve as a great source of support for Joe.

'I have no doubts that the responsibility will also help Ben to continue his rapid rise as a world class all-rounder.'

It has been a big start to 2017 for Root, who became a father for the first time last month.

Root has limited captaincy experience although he has led the England Lions on occasions

His first assignment as captain is still five months away, however, with the positioning of this summer's Champions Trophy delaying England's first Test series - against South Africa - until July.

The four-match campaign against Faf du Plessis' team is then followed by a three-match series against West Indies.

England then face Australia in November Down Under in the latest Ashes Series.

Chairman of the ECB, Colin Graves, believes Root has the necessary maturity to lead England against the Proteas later this year.

'Joe Root is the perfect choice for England Test captain,' said Graves. 'I'm delighted that he has accepted the role and will now help to take the team to the next level.

ECB chairman Colin Graves believes Root is the right man to lead England forward

'When I spoke to him last night you could feel the excitement and sense the pride – he can't wait to get started.

'Joe is a fine player and a fine person who has the respect of the players, the selectors and all at the ECB. He also has a changing room with experienced players and leaders who will support him from the start.

'The role of Test captain is an honour and a responsibility which he thoroughly deserves. Joe has maturity beyond his years and having seen him develop at Yorkshire over the last ten years I know his qualities well.

'I offer my congratulations to Joe for becoming Test captain and, once again, my thanks to Alastair Cook for the way he has developed the team, the timing of his decision and the platform he has given his successor.'