Ben Stokes says he wants to lead a team of “selfless” cricketers as he plots England’s revival after being named as their new Test captain.
The 30-year-old all-rounder was appointed to the role last week after Joe Root stood down following a five-year reign that culminated in a string of painful defeats.
Stokes, who was vice-captain to close friend Root, takes over with England having won just one of their past 17 Tests and the team bottom of the World Test Championship table.
Stokes’s first match in charge is against reigning world Test champions New Zealand, the land of his birth, at the start of a three-Test series at Lord’s on June 2.
He accepts turning England’s fortunes around will be tough. “It is a challenge, especially after the last few years,” the Durham star told Sky Sports at the county’s Riverside Ground on Tuesday.
“There’s a lot that needs to change, not only on the field, and those discussions will be had.” Stokes is an all-action pace-bowling all-rounder, renowned for his fierce commitment to the team and he appears keen to mould a side in his own image.—APP
