Stewart, 35, will captain the side for this summer's five-Test series against South Africa and the single Test against Sri Lanka in August.

Adam Hollioake, Stewart's team captain at Surrey, retained the leadership of England's one-day team for this month's series against the South Africans.

Stewart succeeds Mike Atherton, who resigned last month after 4 1/2 years as captain.

``It came down a decision between two -- Alec and Nasser,'' chairman of selectors David Graveney said. ``The deciding factor is Alec's experience and respect within the team.

``Alec's experience coupled with the respect in which he is held by the players convinced us that he is the man to lead the test side.'' England has not beaten a major Test nation in a full series in more than eleven years.

``Obviously I cannot wave a magic wand and everything will be all rightbut we will be competitive and be consistent and have a great chance of being a good side,'' Stewart said.

Graveney said Hussain, who was Atherton's vice-captain for the past 18 months, would ``still play a key part in the onfield decision-making process.''

``Nasser remains an absolute pivotal part of the side,'' he said. ``Our decision on the captaincy was a very close run thing.''

Graveney said Stewart would continue to bat in the top order, while admitting that he is likely to resume wicketkeeping duties, too.

Stewart's appointment does not necessarily mean he will give up the wicketkeeping role altogether.

``I'll be three or four if I do keep wicket,'' he said. ``I've always said that if it's in the best interests of the team, then I'll do it.''

Graveney also confirmed that Stewart, unlike Atherton last year, will serve on the Test selection panel.

Stewart, who has made 5,153 runs from 75 tests at an average of 41, made his Surrey debut in 1981 and his England debut in 1990.

Stewart is theson of former England manager Micky Stewart. Alec followed in his father's footsteps by captaining Surrey from 1992 to 1996.