Controversial all-rounder Ben Stokes is no longer the vice-captain of England’s Test team, it has been reported.

The role, which was held by Stokes under current captain Joe Root, will now be taken over by veteran fast bowler James Anderson.

Having missed the recent Ashes series, Stokes is set to return to the England fold next Thursday when they take on New Zealand in the first of two Tests in Auckland.

Stokes was made unavailable for the Ashes following video footage emerged of a man alleged to be the all-rounder repeatedly punching another man. On Monday, he pleaded not guilty to the affray via video link from New Zealand.

Speaking about his elevation to vice-captain, Anderson said: ‘I’m delighted Joe has asked me to do it again for this series.

‘It doesn’t change my role in the team a huge amount,’ Anderson said, quoted by the BBC.

‘I see myself as a senior player and I’m there for people if they need advice. Certainly if Joe needs help on the field, I’m there for him.’

Anderson, who has played 134 Tests – the most by any fast bowler in history – believes it is naturally the role of an experienced player to support his captain.

‘It’s a big group effort when we go on the field, so it’s important that we get that right,’ he said.

‘It’s not just my job; it’s Joe’s, Alastair Cook and Stuart Broad have plenty of experience, and the coaches as well who have been around the block.

‘It’s our job to help out where we can and try to help this team progress,’ he added.

Photo: Aijaz Rahi/AP Photo