Even Kevin Pietersen is pleased that Joe Root is the new England captain

It takes something pretty special to unite all corners and factions of English cricket, but it seems the appointment of Joe Root as the new Test captain has achieved that.

Players past and present, journalists and fans united to wish the Yorkshire batsman all the best after his appointment was officially confirmed today, with Ben Stokes named as vice captain.

And among them was one Kevin Pietersen, who may or may not be clinging on to the hope that the departure of Alastair Cook puts him in line for a recall.

Pietersen’s relationship with England has been more than a little strained since he was dropped from the team back in 2014.But his cheerleader in chief and semi-professional English cricket basher Piers Morgan also greeted the news positively.

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Among the men said to be vying with 26-year-old Root for the position was bowler Stuart Broad.

But if he was disappointed about not getting the role himself, he didn’t show it.

Root has 4,594 Test runs to his name since making his debut in 2012, at an average of 52.80.Other current and former England players also sent their congratulations, including former skipper Michael Vaughan, who came through the same club in Sheffield that Root did.

And, perhaps most importantly, there was an entirely suitable tribute from the good people at Yorkshire Tea.

Roooooooooot.