In his first interaction with media after being announced as England’s new Test captain, Joe Root praised his predecessor Alastair Cook and opined the southpaw’s presence on the field will be extremely helpful for him.

“On the field, he’ll be extremely helpful,” Root said.

“I think he’ll let me go about it and do things my way but he’ll be there to offer help and advice if need be. I think he’ll be a very good fit and natural leader as a senior player within the team.”

Root was appointed as England’s 80th Test captain last week, after Alastair Cook resigned from the post on February 6. Cook was under immense pressure after losing the Test series against India 4-0. After certain rounds of meeting with the ECB, Cook stepped down from the post, paving way for Joe Root.

“I’m very lucky to have inherited an exciting team with a great blend of experience, raw talent and a core group of players who have played 20 to 30 games and are ready to take some more responsibility and become a really tough side to play against.

“I’d like to be a captain that wins, tough to play against, and like to hope we’ll play cricket that is enjoyable to watch. That is something that excites me. It should be entertaining Test cricket and that’s something I want to get across to the team and the people watching.”

However, Root will have to wait for five months to lead England in Tests, when they take on South Africa shortly after the Champions Trophy. Before that, England will play an ODI series against the West Indies, Ireland and South Africa followed by the Champions Trophy.