Mahela Jayawardena
Image Source - Twitter

Former Sri Lankan great Mahela Jayawardene thinks star all-rounder Ben Stokes is the appropriate candidate for the role of England’s new Test captain, and that outgoing skipper Joe Root would prosper as a batsman without the additional pressure.

Stokes is widely expected to be named England’s new Test captain shortly, with the upcoming home series against New Zealand and India in June likely to be his first assignment.

Ben Stokes
Ben Stokes. Credits: England Cricket/Twitter

If Stokes is named captain, it will be the first time after Andrew Flintoff’s had the 15 years ago that an all-rounder has led England, but Mahela Jayawardene believes he is the best candidate for the job.

On the most recent episode of The ICC Review, Jayawardena observed, “I think he (Stokes) will be a wonderful captain. He’s been around for a long and has proven time and time again that he’s a fierce competitor who transforms into a different beast on the field.”

Ben Stokes and Joe Root (Image Credits: Twitter)
Ben Stokes and Joe Root (Image Credits: Twitter)

“For a long time, England hasn’t had an all-rounder lead their Test squad, and I believe he is the ideal contender.”

“With his sort of persona (as captain) might generate a mentality similar to what they had with white ball test matches recently, however, they now need to develop that same environment with red-ball cricket.”

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Mahela Jayawardena expects to see Root bounce back:

Now that the extra responsibility of leadership has been eased, Mahela Jayawardena wants Root to return to form, and the Sri Lankan reckons the 31-year-old can flourish with the bat almost immediately.

“Joe has been hitting brilliantly over the last three or four years, and there is no question that he will stay to flourish,” Jayawardene said.

Joe Root
Joe Root. (Photo: AFP)

“I believe he felt it was the best improvement for everyone (to renounce the captaincy), and I believe he will profit from it because he will be able to focus solely on his batting.”

“Knowing how competitive he is, he would have been sad that he had to make that decision (step down), but I believe he would profit in the long run.”

Ben Stokes is largely expected to take over as England’s new Test captain shortly.

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