I’ve Always Believed That Root Was Going To Be The Captain: Ben Stokes
Feb 16, 2017 at 10:41 AM
Joe Root is England’s new Test captain and his deputy Ben Stokes is happy about it. Post the ECB’s announcement of handing the baton from Alastair Cook to the Yorkshire batsman, all-rounder Stokes said he has known Root from a very young age and would follow the same path as his of moving the England cricket forward.
Speaking about the essence of Test cricket, Stokes admitted the five-day format is the pinnacle and he and his side would aim to play such a brand of cricket, which will make people fall in love with the format again.
“Test cricket is the pinnacle and we need people to fall in love with it again. We need to win but we want to perform in a manner that makes people want to come and watch us. Rooty and I have known each other for years, from county age group, England age group, Lions and now England. We have the same direction of where we want to take the team.”
Claiming to have felt happiness over Root’s selection as the captain, Stokes said he knew ‘Rooty’ (Root) would be the first choice and that he is the right and also the best man to lead the side. Stokes claimed Root is very much respected in the dressing room and in his quest to lead England to greater heights, he’ll be very well supported by the side.
“I’ve always believed that Rooty was going to be captain. He’s the right person and the best person to do it. He’s a colleague but also a close mate… I couldn’t be more pleased for him. The biggest thing is having respect of the people you are in charge of. He has that and respect goes a long way. We listen to him when he speaks. He’s a natural cricket thinker and speaks a lot of sense.”
Keeping his mindset clear about his role, the New Zealand born said he has got a responsibility on his shoulders and he has got to be more supportive now. Stokes concluded by saying he’ll chip in with his tactical inputs if and when needed.
“Being vice captain, I will have to bring a mental and supportive side, too. If I am not involved in the game then I will have to add my tactical input. I have been more vocal over the last year but I only speak when I think something needs to be said. I’m not one for cliches.”
Last Monday, Alastair Cook stepped down from the captaincy after suffering a 4-0 defeat at the hands of the Indian Cricket Team. Post the dismal show, Cook’s captaincy came under the hammer and after allowing the dust to settle down, he decided to step down.
England will play their next Test series against South Africa at home, which will commence shortly after the ICC Champions Trophy in June.