England skipper Joe Root believes Ben Stokes would make a “fantastic captain” if he has to hand over the reins when he becomes a father aga...
England skipper Joe Root believes Ben Stokes would make a “fantastic captain” if he has to hand over the reins when he becomes a father again. The England and Wales Cricket Board still plan to stage a full international programme despite the coronavirus-shortened season.
The schedule will begin with a three-Test series against the West Indies, starting on July 8 at Southampton – around the time that Root’s wife is due to give birth to their second child.
The England captain said on Tuesday that he would attend the birth come what may, with Stokes in line to take over. Root has no doubt the star all-rounder would cope with the extra burden that comes with captaincy.
“I think if Ben was captain he would be fantastic,” said Root.
“One of his great qualities as vice-captain and as a leader is he sets the example, the way he goes about his 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 and gets the best out of the players around him.”
Stokes was restored to the England vice-captaincy after missing the 2017-’18 Ashes in Australia, before being acquitted on an affray charge following an incident outside a nightclub....
