Joe Root flies out on Wednesday to join the England one-day tour to India with expectation growing that Alastair Cook is about to stand down as Test captain.

When Cook’s departure is confirmed by the England and Wales Cricket Board, then Root will be appointed Test captain at the age of 26 and just over four years since his debut.

Cook has been mulling over his future since the end of the India tour and sources have indicated he is ready to walk away from the job after four years and 59 matches in charge.