Joe Root 'excited' to lead England

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Joe Root

Joe Root says he feels excited by the prospect of finally leading England in a Test on the eve of the South Africa series opener at Lord's.

Months of waiting will come to an end today for the Yorkshire batsman, who was named as Alastair Cook's successor as Test captain back in February.

England, however, have been concentrating on limited overs action since then but today's match, the first of a four-Test series, will mark their return to red-ball cricket.

"I'm very excited," Root told reporters at Lord's yesterday. "For it to finally come round has made it feel a little bit more real. I just want to get out there."

Root confirmed that Hampshire spinner Liam Dawson would play today. Meanwhile recalled batsman Gary Ballance will come in at number three, the new skipper at four and their Yorkshire teammate Jonny Bairstow at five.

"I have had a long time to think about a few things since becoming captain and that is the decision I have made," said Root.

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