We Are Lucky To Have Joe Root And He's Still Got So Much To Offer English Cricket - Ben Stokes
Published - 23 Apr 2022, 06:42 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:07 AM
England all-rounder Ben Stokes encouraged star batter Joe Root to carry his tremendous form with the bat after stepping down from Test captaincy. After being under extreme pressure in the aftermath of England’s dismal performance in red-ball cricket in Australia and the West Indies, Root relinquished the red-ball leadership.
The Yorkshire player took over the reins from Sir Alastair Cook in February 2017 and ended up as England’s most-capped Test captain, he led England in 64 Test matches having won 27 and losing 26 while 11 games resulted in a draw.
I fully expect Joe Root to continue his brilliance with a bat in hand: Ben Stokes
Under Root, England won the Test series in South Africa 2-1 in early 2020. England also beat South Africa (2017), West Indies (2017 & 2020), India (2018), and Pakistan (2020) in Test series at home in Root’s tenure as red-ball skipper. England squared the 2019 Ashes series 2-2 against Australia.
Stokes, who is touted to be Root’s successor as England Test captain, said the team is lucky to have the services of the Yorkshire batter.
“Now that he has stood down, I fully expect him to continue his brilliance with a bat in hand and show why he is the greatest batsman we’ve ever produced.
“We are lucky to have him and he’s still got so much to offer English cricket,” Stokes wrote in a column for the Daily Mirror.
It is a huge honour to captain England: Ben Stokes
The England all-rounder said Root had called him to inform him about his decision to quit Test captaincy and also threw light on his own chances of becoming the Test skipper.
“As you can imagine it was quite an emotional conversation, but it wasn’t a long chat, there will be time for that in the future.
“This was an emotional few minutes and in return, there was nothing but love, respect and support from me because that is what Joe Root has shown me throughout his time as England Test captain,” Stokes said.
“I know there will be lots of speculation around who will take over from him, and clearly as vice-captain and someone who has stood in on a few occasions my name will be strongly talked about.
“But all I will say is that it is a huge honour to captain England and whoever does it will get to enjoy that responsibility of trying to take the team forward,” he added.
Apart from Stokes, senior England pacer Stuart Broad will be in contention for the red-ball captaincy.
Also Read: Stuart Broad Plays Down England Test Captain’s Role; Aim On Test Side Return First
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