Ben Stokes succeeds Joe Root as captain of the England cricket team.© AFP
Ben Stokes was named Test captain of the England cricket team on Thursday. The senior all-rounder has always been the frontrunner for the role since Joe Root’s resignation after five long years in the top job. For Stokes, his job as England captain will be cut after the team beats to Australia in the Ashes. Stokes is now the 81st player to lead the England Men’s Test Team. His appointment was proposed by Rob Key, the new director of England’s men’s cricket, amid a wind of sea change following the loss of Ashes.
Ravi Shastri, the former head coach of the Indian cricket team, had an interesting look at how he would react to captaincy in an interview with The Guardian three days before Stokes’ official appointment.
“The adrenaline of the captaincy – not that he needs it – could make Stokes something more than the incredible player he is today,” said Shastri. “The important relationship is with the captain – the moment there is friction it goes downhill. But it will be fine because in England that I saw last year they have enough talent and skill to compete. I have no doubt about that . It’s all about their mindset.”
promoted
Stokes has become England captain at a time when the side have rarely won a game in the past year. England are also currently at the bottom of the 2021-23 World Test Championship race.
“I didn’t hesitate to offer Ben the role of Test Captain,” Key said. “He embodies 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 that he is ready for the extra responsibility and honour. He absolutely deserves this opportunity. ” †
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