England all-rounder Ben Stokes has been appointed as the England Test skipper. The appointment has been made after Joe Root decided to step down from the post earlier this month. Root’s captaincy was in question as the team managed to win only two games since February last year. In that phase, the Three Lions played two Test series against India (one away and the next one at home), hosted New Zealand and played Ashes in Australia. In these series, the team struggled badly.
However, after the Ashes, the Yorkshire player was retained as the captain for the three-match Test series against the West Indies last month. However, the team lost the series and the 31-year-old stepped down.
After Stokes’ appointment, England managing director Rob Key said that he had no hesitation in offering the leadership role to Ben Stokes. “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. He thoroughly deserves the opportunity,†said ECB managing director Rob Key in a statement
On the other hand, after his appointment, Stokes said that he is honoured to take the leadership reins of the team. The left-hander also thanked Root for his service to England team as captain. “I am honoured to be given the chance to lead the England Test team. This is a real privilege, and I’m excited about getting started this summer.
“I want to thank Joe (Root) for everything he has done for English Cricket and for always being a great ambassador for the sport all across the world. 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,†said Ben Stokes after his appointment as Test skipper.
