Durham all-rounder Ben Stokes has been chosen by the England and Wales Cricket Board as the successor of Joe Root, who resigned from his role as England Test skipper on April 16.
Rob Key, the new managing director of the men’s Test team, recommended Stokes’ name for the role. The ECB approved it on Tuesday.
“I had no hesitation in offering the role of Test captain to Ben. He epitomises the mentality and approach we want to take this team forward into the next era of red-ball cricket. I am delighted that he has accepted, and he is ready for the added responsibility and the honour,”
Key said in an official press release.
Stokes will take over as the captain of the side that has won just one Test in their last 17 matches and haven’t won a game in the last five series. England currently sit at the bottom of the table in the World Test Championship 2021-23.
The 30-year-old has previously led England in one Test, which was a loss against West Indies in 2020 when Root was on paternity leave. He had said during the tour of Australia that he’s not interested in captaincy but acknowledged being in contention after Root’s resignation. Following the appointment, he thanked England’s most successful Test captain for his contribution to the national team and his development as a player.
“I want to thank Joe for everything he has done for English cricket. He has been a massive part of my development as a leader in the dressing room, and he will continue to be a key ally for me in this role,”
Stokes said.
Root, who has led England in the most number of Tests in the history, offered his unwavering support to Stokes after the all-rounder’s appointment.
One of the major concerns of appointing Stokes as the captain, however, is his workload, given his long history of injuries. He hasn’t played cricket since the Caribbean tour and was sent for scans for knee injury earlier this month. The player has been back in training with his county club Durham and they’re hoping he’d be available for the next game.
As a managing director, Key said he had spoken to a number of people and came to a conclusion that Stokes was the right man to lead the side. However, he’s aware of the player’s workload and pressed on the need to manage it well. The England Lions are next slated to take on New Zealand in a three-match Test series at home in June.
