Ben Stokes likely to become England’s Test captain – Reports

Joe Root stepped down as England‘s Test captain a few days ago, shortly after the team returned home from a humiliating 1-0 defeat against West Indies. It is now expected that Ben Stokes, who served as Root’s deputy, will be appointed as the next Test captain.

Rob Key, England’s new director of cricket and Stokes are expected to meet in the coming days. England and Wales Cricket Board has arranged a press conference next week.

Notably, Stokes had taken a break from cricket last summer to focus on his mental health thus experts feel that added pressure of captaincy will take a toll on Stokes. However, England white ball captain Eoin Morgan feels that Stokes is a prime contendor to take over Test leadership.

 “Obviously Ben is a fantastic player, a brilliant leader, though he doesn’t need to have the captain’s armband on to lead like he does.

“The experience of the World Cup final [at Lord’s in 2019] really showed his true colours in the way he led from start to finish and throughout the whole tournament as well. He’d certainly be a candidate,” Morgan was quoted saying by inews.co.uk,

Apart from Stokes, there were rumours that Eoin Morgan might be considered for Test leadership as well. Speaking on the same, Morgan said that decision to give Test leadership is in the hands of head coach, adding that it is an honour to lead a team irrespective of the format.

“I know there will be lots of speculation around who will take over from Joe, and clearly as vice-captain and someone who has stood in on a few occasions my name will be strongly talked about. But all I will say is that it is a huge honour to captain England and whoever does it will get to enjoy that responsibility of trying to take the team forward,” he said in his column in Daily Mirror.

“The decision will be down to Rob Key as the new managing director of men’s cricket and I’m sure we’ll talk soon enough, as he will with other players and support staff,” he added.