Ben Stokes Set To Lead England Against West Indies

England allrounder Ben Stokes is set to don the captain’s hat in the upcoming Test series against West Indies with Joe Root likely to miss the action due to the birth of his second child.

England are set to host West Indies for a three-match Test series next month. The ECB announced the schedule on Tuesday. As expected, the series will be played behind closed doors. The games will take place at The Ageas Bowl and Old Trafford subject to UK Government clearance, stated the ECB.

England will host the Caribbean outfit at The Ageas Bowl from July 8 before the series switches to Old Trafford for the final two games of the series, from July 16 and July 24 respectively, with the stadiums selected as bio-secure venues in large part due to their on-site hotels. The series was originally scheduled to take place in June before it was postponed due to the pandemic.

Root, nonetheless, is more than likely to miss a fair portion of the three-match series. And while England will definitely miss his batting, Root said the captaincy of the team was safe in the hands with Ben Stokes.

“I could see him doing a very good job,” Root said.

“One of his great qualities as vice-captain and as a leader is he sets the example. The way he goes about training, how he wants to bowl in difficult circumstances, the way he stands up in different scenarios with the bat – he drags people with him,” he added.

In the past, England’s allrounders did not enjoy a good time as captain. Legendary names like Ian Botham and Andrew Flintoff failed to make their mark as the captain. However, Root said that he still wouldn’t put it past Ben Stokes to do well in the role.

“Until you get the opportunity to do it for longer, you just never know, it might be a huge success. I wouldn’t put it past him,” said Root.

“Throughout his career, he’s always responded well and Test captaincy is more than just a bit of added responsibility. Over time it does take a lot out of you, but he’s a very impressive player and man in our dressing room. I’d never say Ben Stokes can’t do anything, he’s pretty much proved that,” he added.

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