Back

Stokes To Lead England Against New Zealand After Being Named Captain

Christchurch-born allrounder Ben Stokes has been named as the new England test cricket captain.

Stokes replaces Joe Root who stepped down as captain earlier this month following a poor tour of the West Indies.

England open a three-test series against New Zealand at Lord’s in London on June 2 in Stokes’ first assignment.

“I am honoured to be given the chance to lead the England Test team. This is a real privilege, and I’m excited about getting started this summer,” Stokes said.

“I want to thank Joe [Root] for everything he has done for English Cricket and for always being a great ambassador for the sport all across the world. He has been a massive part of my development as a leader in the dressing room, and he will continue to be a key ally for me in this role.”

Stokes, who will become England’s 81st captain, had previously been Root’s vice-captain.

Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket, Rob Key, had no reservations about offering the role to Stokes.

“He epitomises the mentality and approach we want to take this team forward into the next era of red-ball cricket,” Key said.

“I am delighted that he has accepted, and he is ready for the added responsibility and the honour. He thoroughly deserves the opportunity.”

Stokes made his test debut in December 2013 and has represented England 79 times at this level. He has 5061 Test runs and has taken 174 wickets with the ball.

He stood in as captain when Root was injured in 2020 and has been vice-captain since 2017.

/Stewart
Sports news editor