BEN STOKES’ abrasive on-field antics may have rubbed the West Indians up the wrong way during the recent Test series, but England’s new vice-captain Joe Root claims it did nothing but endear him to his team-mates.

Stokes was engaged in a constant war of words with the West Indians out in the middle before being mockingly saluted by Marlon Samuels upon getting out in the second Test in Grenada.

The all-rounder scored 176 runs but took just three wickets out in the Caribbean, although he is still set to feature in upcoming series against New Zealand and Australia.

That latter of those will see England try to regain the Ashes following the 5-0 drubbing they received Down Under 18 months ago.

That defeat prompted the start of a new era as a fresh wave of younger players, including Stokes, began to replace the old guard and Root, just 24 himself, believes it is an exciting time for the English game.

“I think it’s great that the new crop of younger guys are starting to come through now,” he explained.

“After that series in Australia, we had a lot of experienced guys leave the side and it’s given opportunity for people like Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes and Chris Jordan to come in and put performances together.

“They’ve done that and this summer is going to have to be a season where they look to cement their spot. I think they’re all talented enough to do it.

“Ben’s a great character to have in your dressing room – you need people that are that passionate and have got the desire to win.

“They’ll leave absolutely everything on the park for England and he’s the sort of person you want on your side. Hopefully for him, he can really do well and kick on this summer.”

Stokes may be at the vanguard of the influx of new talent but there is also a more veteran core at the heart of the England team – the likes of Jimmy Anderson and Ian Bell still at the top of their game.

And despite Root’s excitement at the ability of the new generation, he is cognizant of the need to strike a balance between youth and experience.

“That balance is really important – you need to learn from the people who have had the experience previously to help you through certain situations you might not have been in before,” added the Yorkshireman.

“Those more experienced guys are going to be vital, not only have they got experience but they’re very skilful players as well.

“They’re very important to England cricket, so hopefully they will come out and have a good summer too.”

* Joe Root was speaking at the filming of the LV = Broken Through video. To keep up to date with the LV= County Championship visit LV.com/cricket or follow @LV_Cricket on Twitter.