Ben Stokes is the new England Test captain
England have appointed all-rounder Ben Stokes as the new Test captain following the step down by Joe Root from the post earlier this month.
Stokes made his Test debut in December 2013 and had since played 79 matches for his country, scoring 5061 runs at an average of 35.89 and picked 174 wickets at an average of 32.12. He scored 3 centuries and 21 half-centuries while he picked 4 fifers with a best of 6/22 to his name.
Earlier in February 2017, Stokes was appointed the vice-captain of England Test team and he led his team in a match when Root had to attend to the birth of his second child in 2020.
The Durham allrounder is now the 81st captain of England Men’s Test team.
“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,” Stokes said.
“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.”
Ben Stokes’ appointment was approved by ECB Interim Chair and Chief Executive Officer Tom Harrison following the recommendation by the Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket, Robert Key.
“I had no hesitation in offering the role of Test captain to Ben,” Key said. “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,” he added.
“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,” Harrison said. “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.”
