Root’s first spell as Test captain was between 2017 and 2022 and he captained England to a record 27 Test wins in 65 matches.
He will work with new England Test coach Stephen Fleming, the former New Zealand captain, in the role.
Root stepped down from his first stint as skipper in April 2022, following a 10-wicket defeat by West Indies.
At that time, England had won just one of their past 17 Tests, including a 4-0 Ashes humbling in Australia, while also navigating Covid restrictions – with Root saying the job “took its toll” on his health.
“I wish him [Root] nothing but success. I hope he goes on and achieves amazing things in his role as captain and I think he’s going to really enjoy it with Flem [Fleming]. He’s a great man,” said Stokes.
“I’ve worked with Flem before but I told Joe, I said my only worry is just you. And that’s all I really care about now, just because I have seen what he went through and how much he put himself through for someone.
“He’s just always put the team first – he always comes second. And that’s just my only concern with it, is just obviously knowing what he went through last time he was in charge of the team. I don’t want to see that ever happen again because I care for Joe a lot, but I wish him all the success in the world.
“I’m sure he’s going to do great. So I’m looking forward to seeing what the team does going forward.”
Fleming replaced Brendon McCullum as coach of England’s Test team.
McCullum was fired following a string of poor results and several off-field incidents involving his players, but remains in charge of England’s white-ball sides.
There were rumours of a rift between him and Stokes during the latter stages of their time together for England, but both have denied that was the case.
McCullum said he told his former captain that he considered him a “good friend”, while Stokes said the pair are “mates”.
“We never once fell out,” said Stokes.
“Did we have discussions with each other that we had different views on and different opinions on? 100% and we both admit that. I think Baz has even said that himself.
“Did we have a fallout? Absolutely not.”
