As the Test series between England and West Indies looms, some great news pours in for all Rajasthan Royals & Ben Stokes fans. Stokes is the England cricket team’s vice-captain, and could have the opportunity to lead the team in the first Test at Southampton.
Joe Root, England’s usual Test skipper will not play the first Test, as he prepares for the birth of his second child. Stokes is pretty excited to take up the mantle. “Getting the opportunity to captain England is a huge honour; even if it’s just the once. You can still say that you’ve captained England. It’s something I’m looking forward to, if the opportunity presents itself.”
Having played 63 Tests for England, Stokes has played under Cook & Root’s captaincy. “I’ve been a senior player in the team since 2016. Being able to learn from Alastair Cook & Joe Root in different situations has rubbed off on me.”
Stokes is also mindful of the fact that there are fellow senior members in the team and their presence matters. “At the same time, we’ve got some really experienced guys. I’d like to think that I’ll be quite an open captain. I wouldn’t want to think that my way is the only way. There are 11 guys on the field, so why not get 10 other options.”
Stokes has been England’s chief all-rounder for a few years. His batting and bowling, along with his exceptional fielding will be as vital as the captaincy for the team. “I always try to set the example in terms of attitude & commitment. Having the added responsibility of being a captain also comes with pressure, in terms of making decisions through tough periods of the game.” Stokes stresses on the fact that captaincy won’t affect his game. “But, that’s not going to change the way I go about things. I’ll try to make a positive impact the ball or bat in my hand. No matter what I do, it will always be the positive route.”
It is pleasing to see the England team management entrust captaincy duties on Ben Stokes. He has had an incredible stint with the team in 2019 and early in 2020. Having won back the vice-captaincy last year, Stokes is deservingly in line to step in for Root in the first Test against the Windies.
