London, Jan. 25 : Opener Alastair Cook has been named the vice-captain of the England Test cricket team for the Caribbean tour, suggesting that the England and Wales Cricket Board sees him as future captaincy material.

Essex batsman Cook, 24, has been chosen over the more experienced former one-day skipper Paul Collingwood. Collingwood is likely to be Strauss''s deputy in the one-dayers.

The left-hander has been viewed as a potential England captain since he scored a century on his Test debut in India three years ago. Now the endorsement has become official, the Sun reports.

"This is another chance for me to gain some valuable leadership experience and help Straussy in any way I can. It was unexpected news, but I'm happy they've asked me to do it. I hope to make the most of it," Cook was quoted as saying after the announcement.

"Straussy will need support, not just from me, but from the other senior players as well. And we do have a lot of leadership experience in the dressing room with three other guys who have captained England," he added.

Strauss said: "I think it is important everyone knows who will take over if I have to go off the field. But I don't think it is necessary for Alastair to have the formal title of vice-captain."

Axed skipper Kevin Pietersen said that he was happy to be back in the ranks, adding that the past five months had been very stressful for him. (ANI)