Monday 13 February 2017 15:19, UK
Joe Root is a "singular, driven individual" who will tackle the challenges of being England Test captain head on, says Mike Atherton.
Root, 26, has been confirmed as the successor of Alastair Cook, who resigned last week after a record 59-match tenure.
The coronation was widely-anticipated once Cook took the decision to stand down and former skipper Atherton says that Root is starting from a strong position, despite his lack of captaincy experience.
"[ECB chairman] Colin Graves said he's the perfect choice. He's certainly the right choice but the perfect choice? Well, let's see how it pans out.
"There is always a sense of uncertainty, unknowing - especially so I think with Root, because he's pretty inexperienced when it comes to leadership and captaincy.
"Although a lot of his predecessors didn't captain in county cricket formally, they would have captained the Lions and on England A tours - that kind of thing.
"Root has had just four first-class games (as captain) and the odd session when Cook has left the field.
"So there is a sense of uncertainty but what we do know is that he's a singular, driven individual; he's one of the best players in the world.
"He's highly respected in the dressing room. They like him and respect him; he's got a sunny, upbeat personality. Those are all good places from which to start.
"But he's going to be tested in ways that he hasn't been tested before; he's no longer just Joe Root - he's Joe Root the England captain and with that comes all kinds of extra responsibilities that he's not had so far.
"But he's a good choice, he's the right choice; I think it's a good combination with Ben Stokes as his official vice-captain and these are exciting times for English cricket. We wish him well."
