Ben Stokes-Brendon McCullum conspired against Jos Buttler? England Cricket Boss sends shockwaves
Published - 07 Mar 2025, 10:20 AM | Updated - 07 Mar 2025, 11:36 PM
England's men's cricket team's managing director, Rob Key, made a massive statement on Jos Buttler's successor following the team’s group-stage exit from the 2025 Champions Trophy. Key hinted that Ben Stokes could lead the 50-over side, calling him one of the best captains he has seen.
The 2019 World Cup winners endured another disappointing ICC event, ending their Champions Trophy campaign without a single win. Following their defeat to Afghanistan, Jos Buttler stepped down as captain. England selectors now have to make a crucial decision regarding the team's future.
Ben Stokes Has Not Featured in ODIs Since the 2023 World Cup
Harry Brook, who is the vice-captain, is one of the leading contenders to become England's ODI skipper. Brook led the side in Buttler’s absence during the home ODI series against Australia last year. However, the young batter struggled in the Champions Trophy and scored just 47 runs in three matches.
Meanwhile, Ben Stokes played a crucial role in England's white-ball World Cup wins. He retired from ODIs after the 2023 World Cup but had hinted at playing in the Champions Trophy. However, the southpaw was ruled out due to a hamstring injury sustained during England's Test series in New Zealand.
Ben Stokes Is One of the Best Captains I've Ever Seen - Robert Key
Rob Key stated that all options are being considered for England’s future leadership, adding that it would be stupid to overlook Ben Stokes. Key said that Stokes has the ability to inspire his teammates under pressure.
"Ben Stokes is one of the best captains I've ever seen. So it would be stupid not to look at him. It's just the knock-on effect of what that means," Key told reporters on Thursday (March 6). "I think nothing's off the table really. You look at every single option and you think, right, what is the best thing to do? How is that going to impact on other things?
"He's an unbelievably good tactician, which we've seen in Test cricket, but he's a leader of men. He's someone who gets the best out of people. He's someone that, when the pressure is really on, he's able to throw a blanket around the players and actually say, 'no, no, this is the way forward. Keep going with it.' They're the qualities that you need in leadership," he added.
They're the Decisions That I Have to Make - Robert Key
Rob Key said that Ben Stokes' captaincy workload needs to be considered. Key stated that they should also focus on the positives of appointing Stokes.
"Ben's, as we know, an outstanding player, an outstanding leader. It's more about, what would that then mean to him? What would that then mean to his workload?" Key continued.
"We don't want to risk other things as well. But there's always a way in England, I think, where you start looking at, 'what if it goes wrong?' You've also got to think, 'what if it goes right?' They're the decisions that I have to make."
Jos Buttler took over England’s captaincy from Eoin Morgan in 2022 and had a mixed tenure over the past three years. He led England to victory in the 2022 T20 World Cup at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
However, England were eliminated in the group stage of the 2023 ODI World Cup in India. Buttler guided England to the semifinals in the 2024 T20 World Cup, but they suffered a heavy defeat against India.
