Following Joe Root’s departure earlier this month, England has named Ben Stokes as their new Test captain.
On his appointment as the new England Test team skipper Ben Stokes also expressed his himself saying
“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,”
The 30-year-old further added saying
“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.”
Stokes’ appointment, which would make him the 81st captain of the England Men’s Test squad, was accepted by the ECB Interim Chair and Chief Executive Officer Tom Harrison on Tuesday evening, after the proposal of England Men’s Cricket Managing Director Rob Key. The managing director said
“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,”
When did Ben Stokes played his last Test match for England
Stokes hasn’t played since a trip of the Caribbean, where a 1-0 loss to the West Indies helped bring an end to Root’s captaincy.
Stokes has 79 red-ball games for England after making his Test debut in December 2013. In February 2017, the 30-year-old was named vice-captain, and he also filled in as captain when Root was away for the birth of his second child.
The Durham allrounder has scored 5061 Test runs at an average of 35.89, and claimed 174 wickets with the ball.
The 30-year-old was sent for scans on a knee issue earlier this month, but has already returned to training in preparation for a return to Durham, which might happen as early as next week.
Meanwhile, Tom Harrison, the ECB’s chief executive officer, said:
“I am delighted that Ben has agreed to become England Men’s Test captain, which is another great achievement in his extraordinary career in an England shirt.”
“He cares deeply and passionately about what it means to represent England and he will lead us into a new era with great pride. It’s an important summer for our Test side and Ben will I am sure relish the challenge before him and his team.”
Stokes takes control of an England team that has won just one of their last 17 Tests for the first time in history. They have gone five series without a victory and are currently in last place in the World Test Championship 2021-23.
England’s next Test commitment comes against New Zealand, with a three-match series beginning at Lord’s on June 2.
