England head coach Chris Silverwood has backed “talismanic” Ben Stokes to do a great job as captain in the absence of Joe Root in the opening Test of the three-match Test series against West Indies.

As Root would not be available for the first Test to be with his wife who is expecting their second child, Stokes has been named England captain for the historic series-opening game against the West Indies – which will mark the return of international cricket after Coronavirus-forced hiatus.

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The much-awaited Test series will get underway at The Ages Bowl, Southampton on July 8 with all the matches will be played at the empty stadiums and bio-secure venues to avoid the COVID-19 threat.

Silverwood was quoted as saying by “The Guardian”: “I think he will do a great job. He is a talisman, isn't he? He leads from the front anyway. He is conscious of the people around him as well so I think he will do a great job in Joe Root's absence.”

He further added, “We know he has got an aggressive nature but equally there is a good cricket brain in there as well. I think he will be quite vocal about what moves he is making out there.”

The head coach is also looking forward to working with Stokes, who will be captaining England for the first time in the Southampton Test.

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He added, “I'm looking forward to working with him from a coaching point of view. I will extend him the same courtesies I do Rooty. He will have a lot of say in what is going on and he will play a big part in giving his opinions across selection as well.”

The English coach also revealed that Jos Buttler will be Stokes' deputy in the opening Test against the West Indies.

Silverwood signed off by saying, “He's been Rooty's right-hand man for a while now. I know Rooty does turn to him a lot. He's been involved in a lot of talks we have behind the scenes.”

(With The Guardian Inputs)