Root: Wait for Test captaincy debut is frustrating

England Test captain Joe Root

Joe Root admits having to wait for his first outing as England Test captain is frustrating but he hopes to use the situation to play himself into form with Yorkshire.

Root was announced as Alastair Cook's successor in the longest form of the game in February after Cook stepped down following England's 4-0 series defeat in India.

A number of players were suggested as possible replacements but Root was always the standout candidate, so it was no surprise when the 26-year-old was handed the opportunity.

However, due to the ICC Champions Trophy, his first match leading England is not until July 6 against South Africa, meaning Root will have to wait five months for his captaincy debut - not his ideal scenario.

"[It is] a little bit [frustrating] yeah, there's definitely pros and cons for the position that I find myself in, but it is what it is and I think you've got to make the best of the situation," he told reporters.

"I'm very lucky to have a good amount of time to plan for it and make sure I feel absolutely ready when I walk out on the sixth of July.

"A great part of it now is that I've got a good period of time to get ready at the start [of the season], then get in some Championship cricket, some white-ball cricket and then the ODIs and Champions Trophy.

"So it is what it is, but at the same time it is a good opportunity for me to get some good cricket in and make sure that I am absolutely ready for what's going to be a very important [season]."

The lack of Test cricket means Root will be available for Yorkshire in the opening months of the season, and he insists the reaction from his county colleagues has not changed despite the greater responsibility in his international role.

"I'm raring to get back into cricket, I've had a few weeks off as well, [I'm] looking forward to get back netting in a week or so and get ready for that Championship game with Hampshire," he added.

"It's a dressing room which always feels very welcome to come back into, it's nice to have that, it's almost like a family, you feel part of it all the time.

"There's been no difference to be honest, there's been laughing and joking around, pulling the same pranks on each other, it's been quite nice."