The Supreme Court has declined a plea by a Pakistani national seeking extension of visa to stay in India, saying it is a call to be taken by the executive.

A bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra said it cannot allow the request of Syed Waseem Ur Rehman, a Sufi cleric, who had approached the apex court against a Bombay High Court order asking him and his wife to leave India.

"That (extension of visa) will be a call to be taken by the Executive. We cannot extend visa if the government is not doing it," the bench, also comprising Justices R Banumathi and Mohan M Shantanagoudar, said.

Rehman's lawyer had pleaded to the bench that the government be asked to take a "compassionate view" in the matter as there was no adverse report against him or his wife.

The counsel had also argued that since Rehman is practising Sufism, there is a threat to him in Pakistan.

The apex court did not accept the contentions and said it was for the government to take such a decision.

His counsel had also contended that Rehman should be granted time to make a representation before the government in the matter but the bench said, "We cannot allow it."

Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar, representing the Centre, opposed the plea and told the bench that the couple had given an undertaking before the high court that they would leave India.

The couple have been staying in India since October 2010.

The high court had dismissed their plea against last year's order of Mumbai's foreigner regional registration officer who had refused to extend their visa.

The much-vaunted 'kaam bolta hai' (work speaks) slogan of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav is facing a litmus test in the battle of ballots on Sunday in the state capital, the crucible of his dream projects.

Akhilesh has used the development card to the hilt during his campaign across the state, often highlighting his work in and around Lucknow, the city of Nawabs.

Doing away with traditional Samajwadi Party politics hinged on caste equations and dependence on "M-Y" (Muslim- Yadav) factor, the 43-year-old chief minister decided to test his popularity riding on the crest of development, his new found mantra to retain power.

It is but natural for him to sell his pet projects – Lucknow Metro, Gomti riverfront and Janeshwar Misra Park – to woo the electorate.

He has also been highlighting the Agra-Lucknow Expressway, establishing state-of-the-art hospital in the capital and facilities to give employment to local youth.

Voters in nine assembly seats, seven of which was won by the SP and another by its recent ally Congress, will give their opinion on the development projects. Their verdict will be out on March 11.

The BJP and the BSP, which have been challenging the SP chief's claims of 'kaam bolta hai' are not leaving anything to chance by taking the fight to the voters, highlighting the shortcomings in the works which they said have been carried out in haste and flagged off even without achieving full completion.

The Lucknow Metro project has become a key issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi ridiculing it for the green signal given even before it was thrown open to public.

While Akhilesh put the ball in the Centre's court for the delay in unveiling the Metro project, BSP chief Mayawati has claimed it to be her brainchild that was hijacked by the SP government and projected as their own.

The much-hyped 302-km Agra-Lucknow expressway, aimed at reducing travel time from 6 hours to 3.30 hours between the two cities, has landing and take off facility for fighter planes in case of emergency.

It was inaugurated on the birthday of SP patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav in November last year and also opened for public, though detractors allege that certain stretches are still under construction and proper security measures have still to be brought in the ground.

The much-vaunted 'kaam bolta hai' (work speaks) slogan of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav is facing a litmus test in the battle of ballots on Sunday in the state capital, the crucible of his dream projects.

Akhilesh has used the development card to the hilt during his campaign across the state, often highlighting his work in and around Lucknow, the city of Nawabs.

Doing away with traditional Samajwadi Party politics hinged on caste equations and dependence on "M-Y" (Muslim- Yadav) factor, the 43-year-old chief minister decided to test his popularity riding on the crest of development, his new found mantra to retain power.

It is but natural for him to sell his pet projects – Lucknow Metro, Gomti riverfront and Janeshwar Misra Park – to woo the electorate.

He has also been highlighting the Agra-Lucknow Expressway, establishing state-of-the-art hospital in the capital and facilities to give employment to local youth.

Voters in nine assembly seats, seven of which was won by the SP and another by its recent ally Congress, will give their opinion on the development projects. Their verdict will be out on March 11.

The BJP and the BSP, which have been challenging the SP chief's claims of 'kaam bolta hai' are not leaving anything to chance by taking the fight to the voters, highlighting the shortcomings in the works which they said have been carried out in haste and flagged off even without achieving full completion.

The Lucknow Metro project has become a key issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi ridiculing it for the green signal given even before it was thrown open to public.

While Akhilesh put the ball in the Centre's court for the delay in unveiling the Metro project, BSP chief Mayawati has claimed it to be her brainchild that was hijacked by the SP government and projected as their own.

The much-hyped 302-km Agra-Lucknow expressway, aimed at reducing travel time from 6 hours to 3.30 hours between the two cities, has landing and take off facility for fighter planes in case of emergency.

It was inaugurated on the birthday of SP patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav in November last year and also opened for public, though detractors allege that certain stretches are still under construction and proper security measures have still to be brought in the ground.

Every sportsperson has a shelf life and former India hockey captain Sandeep Singh, who by his own admission knows that age is not on his side for a national comeback, is now eager to take up the mentor's role for youngsters wanting to master the art of drag-flicking.

Sandeep, regarded as one of the world's most dangerous drag-flickers in his days, has given many a golden moments to Indian hockey but the lanky defender, who has overcome quite a few adversities in life, has been out of the national team since 2014.

A fighter to the core, Sandeep did not give up and continued his hard work on the turf, plying his trade in Australian and European leagues as well as the Hockey India League to prove his mettle but eventually, a back injury last year during HIL dashed all his hopes.

"My dad always tells me 'jo suraj subah ko ugta hai wo sham ko asth hota hai' (the sun which rises in the morning is bound to set in the evening). I too had my time and I tried to be as stable as possible to sustain for a longer period. I have played enough hockey and now I just want to give something back to the game for which I am here today," Sandeep said.

"I have specific plans, I have a lot of ideas, desi ideas which I want to implement in coaching. I want to work with Indian drag-flickers at the grass-root level and train them.

Skill wise and going by conversion rate I am still the No.1 drag-flicker in India.

"On and off I am taking coaching lessons in Australia. I have plenty of ideas which I want to implement and share with youngsters. I can assure that if given a chance, I can improve 5 to 20 per cent in every drag-flicker in each session. But I don't how and whom to approach in Hockey India," he said.

From being hit by a stray bullet during a train journey while on his way to join the national team for the 2006 World Cup in Germany to making a successful comeback to the field after two years of recovery and then going on to become one of the most dreaded drag-flickers in the world, Sandeep, who represented India in 2012 Olympics, has seen it all.

"Even though I still desire to play for the country one last time but deep down, I know my international career is over. It is very difficult to get into the national team again. Age is not in my hand," he said.

Sandeep, however, feels just like cricket every hockey player of international repute should be given a fitting farewell from the game.

"I know hockey is not as popular as cricket in India but I hope in future, every renowned hockey player should be given a fitting farewell rather than ignoring them," he said.

Sandeep is not playing in the ongoing HIL for reasons, which he refused to divulge, but is eager to make a mark in the lucrative league next season by honing his skills in Australia and England.

"I won't like to disclose the reasons behind why I am not playing in the current HIL but I will play in Australia for St George Randwick Hockey Club in March and then for Harvard Hockey Club in England in September and hope to make comeback in the league next year," said Sandeep, who played for Ranchi Rays in last HIL.

Sandeep is also excited about a biopic on his life which is scheduled for release next year.

"The biopic is being produced by actress Chitrangada Singh. It will hit the theatres next year. It's in advanced stages now and the casting will be done soon," he said.

Every sportsperson has a shelf life and former India hockey captain Sandeep Singh, who by his own admission knows that age is not on his side for a national comeback, is now eager to take up the mentor's role for youngsters wanting to master the art of drag-flicking.

Sandeep, regarded as one of the world's most dangerous drag-flickers in his days, has given many a golden moments to Indian hockey but the lanky defender, who has overcome quite a few adversities in life, has been out of the national team since 2014.

A fighter to the core, Sandeep did not give up and continued his hard work on the turf, plying his trade in Australian and European leagues as well as the Hockey India League to prove his mettle but eventually, a back injury last year during HIL dashed all his hopes.

"My dad always tells me 'jo suraj subah ko ugta hai wo sham ko asth hota hai' (the sun which rises in the morning is bound to set in the evening). I too had my time and I tried to be as stable as possible to sustain for a longer period. I have played enough hockey and now I just want to give something back to the game for which I am here today," Sandeep said.

"I have specific plans, I have a lot of ideas, desi ideas which I want to implement in coaching. I want to work with Indian drag-flickers at the grass-root level and train them.

Skill wise and going by conversion rate I am still the No.1 drag-flicker in India.

"On and off I am taking coaching lessons in Australia. I have plenty of ideas which I want to implement and share with youngsters. I can assure that if given a chance, I can improve 5 to 20 per cent in every drag-flicker in each session. But I don't how and whom to approach in Hockey India," he said.

From being hit by a stray bullet during a train journey while on his way to join the national team for the 2006 World Cup in Germany to making a successful comeback to the field after two years of recovery and then going on to become one of the most dreaded drag-flickers in the world, Sandeep, who represented India in 2012 Olympics, has seen it all.

"Even though I still desire to play for the country one last time but deep down, I know my international career is over. It is very difficult to get into the national team again. Age is not in my hand," he said.

Sandeep, however, feels just like cricket every hockey player of international repute should be given a fitting farewell from the game.

"I know hockey is not as popular as cricket in India but I hope in future, every renowned hockey player should be given a fitting farewell rather than ignoring them," he said.

Sandeep is not playing in the ongoing HIL for reasons, which he refused to divulge, but is eager to make a mark in the lucrative league next season by honing his skills in Australia and England.

"I won't like to disclose the reasons behind why I am not playing in the current HIL but I will play in Australia for St George Randwick Hockey Club in March and then for Harvard Hockey Club in England in September and hope to make comeback in the league next year," said Sandeep, who played for Ranchi Rays in last HIL.

Sandeep is also excited about a biopic on his life which is scheduled for release next year.

"The biopic is being produced by actress Chitrangada Singh. It will hit the theatres next year. It's in advanced stages now and the casting will be done soon," he said.

For close to a year now, the national commission tasked with safeguarding the interests of safai karamcharis does not have even a member.

The National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK), established in 1994 to deal with the grievances of persons engaged in manual scavenging, has a sanctioned strength of four members and a chairperson.

All the posts are lying vacant and its office wears a deserted look with most of its rooms locked.

Commission Secretary Narain Dass and Deputy Director Varinder Singh, along with Section Officer G Srinivas, are now managing its affairs.

In the absence of office-bearers, the number of complaints has come down sharply in the recent past, claimed the officials.

"People already know that there is no chairperson or member in the Commission. So they don't even complain. Though the government had extended the tenure of the Commission for another three years from April 1, 2016, the posts are still lying vacant after the retirement of the chairperson and other members on March 31 last year," said an official.

According to the officials, there have been talk of these positions being filled from time to time, but so far these remain vacant.

"In the face of the Commission remaining headless, there have not been many activities such as field visits and workshops which adversely impacted the overall functioning of the body.

"Also, now when a complaint is received, at the most we can only call for a factual report from the authorities concerned. But if there is a chairperson and members, they can directly take it up the issue with the higher authorities," another official said.

The Centre had on November 25 last year informed the Supreme Court that vacancies in the NCSK would be filled up within eight weeks.

Advocate Radhakanta Tripathy, who had moved the Supreme Court in this regard, has now filed a contempt petition seeking a further direction for reconstitution of the Commission and take appropriate penal action against the respondents — the Cabinet Secretary and the Secretary of the Ministry of social Justice and Empowerment — for non-implementation of the court's direction.

The Commission, in its last Annual Report 2015-16, had made various recommendations to the government including making the Commission a permanent and statutory body with powers of a civil court to lend it more credibility. It also highlighted the need for strengthening the Commission with regard to budget allocations as well as staff strength.

A total of 168 candidates are in the fray for Manipur polls first phase in 38 assembly constituencies.

Of 60, 38 hill and 22 valley constituencies will go to polls on March 4 in the state.

While there is no Congress candidate in Churachandpur and Kangpokpi constituencies, BJP is the only party which is contesting all seats.

11 independents will contest in the first phase.

Most of the constituencies will see straight fights. However 11 candidates are in the fray in the Saikul constituency. Manipur's political heavyweight Phungzathang Tonsing, who was given a Congress ticket for the Churachandpur constituency, had resigned from the primary membership of the party.

Nemcha Kipgen, the lone tribal woman MLA also resigned from Congress and is contesting as BJP candidate from Kangpokpi constituency.

Manipur People's Party candidates were given two different election symbols – of petrol pump and cycle, leading to protests. Protests continued till late Saturday.

Candidates of the Manipur People's Party who were allotted petrol pump symbol hung around Chief Election Officer’s office till late Saturday demanding the bicycle symbol of the party for decades.

However poll officials said, "The symbol cannot be changed now. Following court cases the Manipur People's Party was derecognised. Later the group led by N Sovakiran was recognised as the MPP office bearers."

However, officials later said some of the candidates will now contest in the symbol of petrol pump.

"N Sovakiran and some others will be allowed to contest in the bicycle symbol in the second phase on March 8."

Officials explained, "There was no time for official processing of the documents while the court case was pending, with the result that the first batch of candidates was given the petrol pump symbol. But there will be time for allotting the bicycle symbol for the rest of the candidates."

(With inputs from Agencies)

 A 'laugh star' – 3D-printed representation of sound waves generated from human laughter – created aboard the International Space Station (ISS) has become the first ever piece of art to be produced on Earth.

The artwork was printed using the Additive Manufacturing Facility (AMF), a gravity independent 3D printer, which supports the daily operations of the ISS by producing parts, tools and assemblies, effectively eliminating the need to wait months for those to be launched from Earth.

The work was conceptualised by Israeli contemporary artist Eyal Gever, who is passionate about using art as a medium for social impact, that connects people from different backgrounds and nationalities.

While many artists such as Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg and Damien Hirst have created works of art that have subsequently been sent to space, Gever's art work is the first to be produced in space through 3D printing technology.

Gever thought it fitting that the first ever piece of art created in space be laughter as it represents what humanity can achieve with positivity.

Similar to art, laughter is a human expression which is universally understood.

"We live in epic times, where continuous disruption and rapid change exists against a backdrop of extremely volatile cultural shifts constantly challenging our human conscience," said Gever.

"A Laugh Star floating in space, above all our heads, is my attempt to create a contemporary metaphor for the hanging 'Sword Of Damocles,' a reminder that the beauty of human life is so fragile," he said.

The project #Laugh kicked off with the launch of a mobile app that recorded sounds of laughter from individuals and converted the sound waves into a digital 3D model, or "laugh star." 

Users were then encouraged to view, listen to and vote on their favourite laugh star. Over 100,000 people from around the world created their own laugh stars.

The winner of the competition, Naughtia Jane Stanko of the US, had her laugh star 3D printed aboard the ISS.

"The earliest cave paintings were of human hands which were a way of proclaiming and celebrating the presence of humanity, #Laugh is the 21st-century version of that – a mathematically-accurate encapsulation of human laughter, simply floating through space, waiting to be discovered," said Gever.

"It's important for the world to see that technology and art are not independent of one another," said Andrew Rush, President and CEO of Made In Space, which owns and operates the AMF.

"We've enjoyed being a part of this project, and hope that it communicates to the world that innovation and creativity are the driving forces behind humanity's future in space," said Rush.

IPL franchise Rising Pune Supergiants has removed Mahendra Singh Dhoni as the team's captain on Sunday for their 10th edition.

"I have the highest regard for MS Dhoni as a leader and a person. Dhoni will continue to be an important part of our team. He is supportive of the decision keeping the franchisee's best interests in mind," the franchise's owner Sanjiv Goenka said in a statement.

The wicketkeeper has been the skipper of IPL team Chennai Super Kings from 2008-2015 before taking charge of Rising Pune Supergiants in 2016.

The move comes after Dhoni stepped down from the Indian captaincy in the limited-overs format before the start of the England series.

Australia's Steve Smith is to take over the captaincy for the upcoming 10IPL, starting from April 5-May 21.

Every time a girl is born in Sriganganagar district, it is time to go green.

The district administration has launched a special campaign under which more than 5000 saplings have been planted on birth of a girl child in the last two months.

The campaign was launched in December last under which the parents of the newborn girl plant five saplings provided by the district administration and the plants are maintained jointly by the family of the girl and the administration.

It is a campaign to promote the girl child as well as protection of environment under which five saplings are planted by family members of the newborn girl and officials.

Sriganganagar has a low child-sex ratio of 854 females per 1000 males and District Collector Gyanaram hopes that the campaign would help in sending out the right message.

"We have identified many places included government buildings, roadsides and such areas where the plants could be well maintained," the collector told PTI.

He said nearly 5000 saplings have been planted in two months and close to 50,000 saplings could be planted in one year.

"The family members as well as the district administration take care of the plants and ensure that it survives so that the drive could deliver positive results," he said.

For the campaign, the departments concerned have been roped in and the hospitals, health centres have been asked to actively participate in the campaign and encourage the practice of plantation and their maintenance.

DJ Kygo and actress-singer Selena Gomez's latest track "It Ain't Me" remix will feature a duet by Fast and Furious star Vin Diesel.

Diesel, 49, teased his collaboration with the Norwegian DJ on social media by posting a behind-the-scenes video of the recording process.

"I stepped out of my comfort zone for this one, haha. Let me know what you think. Thank you @kygomusic for producing this 2017 HIT! Thank you for believing in me enough to ask me to sing. Thank you @Selenagomez for bringing that beautiful and magical voice," Diesel wrote on Instagram.

"Pained and celebratory simultaneously. I followed your lead when I went into the booth…," he added.

And the posts did not stop there as Diesel also shared a clip of himself in the studio, moments before Kygo, 25, recorded him singing.

"This was the day after I chilled with Kygo at my post Grammy party. For years I have done low tech karaoke for you die hard fans, often showing a different and emotional side.

"But I was never invited into a professional studio, or never had the courage to try it for real with an engineer and everything. The magician somehow took my voice and added it to the super talented Selena. Kygo sent over the track today and I am Speechless. Wow. Just speechless," he wrote.

Drilling of the seven-km undersea route of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad rail corridor is underway to ascertain soil condition of India's first bullet train path.

Passengers will get the thrill of riding under the sea, a first in the country, near Thane at a maximum speed of 350 km per hour in the upcoming high speed train project connecting two major metropolis.

"Soil and rocks below the 70-metre-deep see are being tested as part of the geo-technical and geo-physical investigation undertaken for the entire project," said a senior Railway Ministry official, adding "the test will also cover the 21-km-long underground tunnel between Thane and Virar."

Barring the 21-km-long tunnel, most part of the 508-km- long corridor is proposed to be on the elevated track while there will be a stretch after Thane creek towards Virar which will go under the sea as per the detailed project report by JICA, the funding agency of the project.

Railways opted for an elevated corridor to avoid land acquisitions and the need to build underpasses.

The tunnel was necessitated to protect the thick vegetation in that area, said the official.

The geo-investigation is crucial for the project as it would ascertain the bearing capacity of the soil below 70 feet at the sea.

Estimated to cost about Rs.97,636 crore, 81 per cent of the funding for the project will come by way of a loan from Japan. The project cost includes possible cost escalation, interest during construction and import duties.

The survey is likely to be followed by the final location survey to mark the alignment and exact spots for the pillars on which trains will run at higher speed to reduce the travelling time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad drastically.

Currently it takes about seven hours to travel between the two cities and the bullet train aims to reduce it to about two hours.

Construction of the corridor is expected to start in 2018 and is estimated to be completed by 2023.

JICA agreed to fund 81 per cent of the total project cost through a 50-year loan at an interest rate of 0.1 per cent and a moratorium on repayments up to 15 years.

Tax department has asked officials to start an outreach programme with stakeholders and make systemic changes to implement proposed modifications in Customs Act aimed at de-cluttering ports and enhancing revenue.

The Finance Bill 2017 proposes to modify the Customs Act for filing of bill of entry the same day on which the vessel, aircraft or vehicle carrying the goods arrives at a customs station. Changes have also been proposed relating to the payment of duty and interest.

In a communication to Chief Commissioners of Customs and Central Excise, CBEC Member and Special Secretary Ananya Ray said the proposals are of far reaching impact and would take the force of law upon the enactment of the Finance Bill.

"…it is opportune that the time available is used to understand the provisions, make an outreach to the various stakeholders and also undertake systemic changes wherever needed so that the provisions are implemented smoothly on their due date," the communication said.

Tax experts said the earlier practice of importers to file bill of entry as per their convenience was causing administrative issues at customs stations.

"This is a laudable move as it will ease traffic at customs stations," said Rakesh Bhargava, Director, Taxmann.

Also, now importers would also need to make payment of customs duty on the same day when bill of entry is filed, otherwise, they would be liable to pay interest for delay.

"This would enable government to collect customs duty in due time and ensure high tax compliance," said Bhargava.

PwC Partner (Indirect Tax) Pratik Jain said that by advancing the time limit for filing the bill of entry and customs duty payout, attempt has been made to declutter the ports faster, which is a step in the right direction.

"It is however important the government machinery on the ground is geared up for this change," he said.

Jain further said this will necessitate some realignment in the supply chain processes of importers.

Most of the bigger companies may explore the option of filing advance bill of entries, he opined.

Singer Ed Sheeran has had a gym and swimming pool installed in his parents' house because he wants to make sure they live long and healthy lives.

The 26-year-old wants his parents John, 60 and Imogen, 57, to be fit, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

"I think any kid at my age starts getting worried about their parents' health. I have bought them a cross-trainer and built them a swimming pool," he told The Sun.

"They are now training and swimming every day. I want them to be able to hang out with their grandkids for a very long time," he added.

However, in his own home, Sheeran has opted to build a pub, where he intends to host parties in the coming years.

An FIR has been filed against DMK working president M K Stalin, his party MLAs, MPs and cadres for holding a protest at Marina beach against the alleged attack on him and his MLAs during the trust vote in the assembly.

Police said an FIR has been filed against them for unlawful assembly and violation of public order.

"DMK staged the protest without obtaining prior permission as required under law", a senior police official said.

Besides Stalin, 63 MLAs, three MPs and several DMK cadres who participated in the protest have been named in the FIR, he said.

Stalin was detained on Saturday after he sat on a protest at Marina beach here against the alleged attack on him and his party MLAs during the trust vote.

After alleging that he was manhandled in the Assembly by the marshals during the vote of confidence, which the Palaniswami government won with a comfortable margin of 122-11, Stalin sat on a protest at the Marina along with his MLAs.

Several DMK workers had blocked vehicular traffic and indulged in stone-pelting in different places in the state to protest the alleged attack on Stalin.

Over 500 artists will showcase the centuries-old folklore culture and tradition of the country through different art forms here as part of the National Folk Festival of Kerala.

Folk artists from 10 states including Rajasthan, West Bengal and Jammu and Kashmir would perform in three different locations in the capital city for three-days from February 24.

The first such festival of its kind to be held in the state, the NFFK 2017 is organised by the state Youth Welfare Board, in association with Bharat Bhavan and the Vyloppilli Samskrithi Bhavan, the state-run cultural centers here.

The event is envisaged as a platform to introduce the rich legacy of the country's folklore tradition before the art and culture buffs, the organisers said.

A group of 20 artists from Kashmir would showcase over 10 dance and music programmes.

Noted Bengal folk music band 'Sahajiya', known for taking the legacy of the state's folk tradition across the world through their performances, would be another attraction of the event.

The usage of traditional music equipment of Bengal by the band would be a novel experience for artists, the organisers said.

The artists from Punjab would perform the traditional dances like Bhangra, Giddha and Jago while those from Rajasthan would showcase 'Kalbelia', the famed folk dance mainly performed by tribes of the same name, they said.

The performances of artists from Jaisalmer would help the audience here get an idea about the traditional dress and lifestyle of the place, located nearby Pakistan.

The artists of Kerala would showcase the state's traditional art forms including 'Theyyam'.

When Joe Root leads England out for the first time as Test captain he will be able to turn to a familiar face in Ben Stokes.

Yorkshire batsman Root first came across Stokes in an Under-12s tournament when the all-rounder was representing Cumbria.

Stokes may have had to move to nearby Durham in order to pursue a first-class cricket career, but Root reckons many of the fiery all-rounder's enduring traits as a player were on show from an early age.

And knowing him as well as he does, Root was happy to nominate Stokes as his vice-captain after he himself accepted the top job last weekend following the resignation as Test skipper of Alastair Cook.

England and Wales Cricket board director Andrew Strauss, himself a former England captain, was of the same opinion as the leadership of the side moved decisively to a younger generation ahead of the teams next Test, against South Africa at Lord's in July.

Recalling his first impression of Stokes, 26-year-old Root, not bothering to suppress a grin, said: "He was a little podgy medium-pacer back then.

He's obviously a slightly different player right now," added Root, speaking at his Headingley home ground.

"But he was always in your face, letting you know he was there — and that was great to play against.

"We get on well outside of cricket as well. When we bat together we have a good understanding, and it will be exactly the same in these new roles."

Root has had a close-up view of Stokes's skill on the Test stage, be it his blistering double century against South Africa in Cape Town last year or his five-wicket haul in England's 2015 Ashes-clinching victory at Trent Bridge, a match destined to be remembered for Stuart Broad's remarkable eight for 15 on the first day.

"He's very 'in your face', and sometimes you need that up-front brashness," said Root of Stokes.

"That second-innings display from Ben — the 'five-for', the skill he showed — I am sure in any other Test match he would have got man-of-the-match," added Root, modestly omitting his century in the same match.

"Then, the way he played in South Africa was just incredible — and he is that sort of player that with the odd moment in the field can really change a game, turn it on its head."

Cook said one reason why he was able to lead England in a record 59 Tests was to avoid social media, thereby remaining ignorant of the more extreme criticism that came his way.

Root, however, has no intention of closing his Twitter account any time soon.

"It's something I've grown up with in international sport, so I'm used to it," Root explained. "With Cooky, it came along half way through his career.

"With the new age we're in now, where social media is a big part of communicating and getting things out there, it's something you've just got to adapt to and accept … it's always going to be there.

"It's a great opportunity to get your messages across as well."