One of the top-most all-rounders in the world today, Ben Stokes was named the new Test captain of the England side by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), officially on April 28, 2022.
He succeeds Joe Root in becoming the 81st captain of the England Men’s Test team. The ECB Interim Chair and Chief Executive Officer approved the appointment on Tuesday evening following the recommendation by the Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket, Rob Key.
Stokes, who made his England Test debut in 2013, has played 79 matches scoring 5061 runs with 11 centuries and 26 fifties with a best of 258 and an average of 35.89. He also has 174 wickets to his name with the best innings bowling figures of 6/22.
“I had no hesitation in offering the role of Test captain to Ben. He epitomizes 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 honor. He thoroughly deserves the opportunity,” said Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket, Rob Key.
Ben Stokes set to become England Test captain; Gary Kirsten willing to become red-ball coach- Report
“I am honored 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,” Ben Stokes said after being named the new England Test captain.
Tom Harrison, ECB 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.”
(ECB inputs)
