Ben Stokes is confirmed as England’s new Test captain after being handed role by Rob Key

Ben Stokes is confirmed as England’s new Test captain and insists that his predecessor Joe Root will remain a ‘key ally’, as director of cricket Rob Key says the star all-rounder IS ‘ready for the added responsibility’

  • Ben Stokes was confirmed as England’s new Test captain at Lord’s by Rob Key 
  • He succeeds Joe Root, who stood down after the series defeat in West Indies 
  • They have won just once in their last 17 Tests and have no series victories in five
  • Now the busy Key will turn his attention to appointing two different coaches

Rob Key today made his first big decision as England managing director by handing Ben Stokes the poisoned chalice of the Test captaincy.

Key confirmed an appointment long expected at Lord’s, with England’s best player and talisman now charged with lifting them from the rock bottom of last place in the World Test Championship.

Stokes succeeds his great friend Joe Root, who stood down in the aftermath of defeat by West Indies in Grenada that extended England’s dismal run to just one win in their last 17 Tests and no series victories in five.

England all-rounder Ben Stokes has been confirmed as the new captain of the Test side

Rob Key made his first big decision at Lord's since becoming England managing director

Rob Key made his first big decision at Lord’s since becoming England managing director

Now Stokes must prove that he can take on the extra responsibility without it affecting his huge talent and influence on the team.

‘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 in a statement released by the ECB.

‘I want to thank Joe 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 (L) succeeds Joe Root (R), who stood down in the aftermath of defeat by West Indies

Stokes (L) succeeds Joe Root (R), who stood down in the aftermath of defeat by West Indies

In truth he was the only viable choice and Key’s journey to the north-east for face to face talks with Stokes on Tuesday, which was revealed by Sportsmail, was merely a box ticking exercise.

But it still represents a gamble by the former Kent captain and Sky pundit as the role could either make Stokes or break such a precious asset for English cricket.

But Key said: ‘I had no hesitation in offering the role of Test captain to Ben.

‘He epitomises the mentality and approach we want to take this team forward into the next era of red-ball cricket. 

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

Stokes is now charged with lifting them from last place in the World Test Championship

Stokes is now charged with lifting them from last place in the World Test Championship

It was only last year that Stokes was taking an extended break from all cricket to protect his mental health and his all-action style leads to injuries and possible absences from the side, particularly if he takes all too much in the interests of the side.

But his rise to the very top of English cricket is the culmination of a huge comeback from the depths of his court appearance on charges of affray after he was involved in a brawl outside a Bristol nightclub in 2017.

Stokes was cleared of all charges and has matured considerably since then, notably with his superhuman heroics to win the World Cup for England in 2019 and the Headingley Test against Australia later that year.

He is hugely respected in the dressing room and by England’s management, not least for his selfless qualities and shrewd cricket brain.

Stokes' rise is the culmination of a huge comeback from the depths of his court appearance

Stokes’ rise is the culmination of a huge comeback from the depths of his court appearance

Stokes has matured considerably, notably with his heroics to win the World Cup in 2019

Stokes has matured considerably, notably with his heroics to win the World Cup in 2019

But now he faces the challenge of a lifetime, starting with a hugely difficult summer of Test cricket against New Zealand, India and South Africa. Truly, it could be the making or breaking of him. 

ECB chief Tom Harrison meanwhile added: ‘I am delighted that Ben has agreed to become England Men’s Test captain, which is another great achievement in his extraordinary career in an England shirt.

‘He cares deeply and passionately about what it means to represent England and he will lead us into a new era with great pride. It’s an important summer for our Test side and Ben will I am sure relish the challenge before him and his team.’

Now the busy Key will turn his attention to appointing both an England Test coach and a white-ball one, with Gary Kirsten, Simon Katich and Ottis Gibson all sounded out about the red-ball role in particular.

Key will also be in the market for a national selector as he goes back to an old-style panel after the doomed experiment of handing Chris Silverwood total responsibility for coaching and selection.

Now Key's attention will switch to appointing two coaches, with Gary Kirsten in the frame

Now Key’s attention will switch to appointing two coaches, with Gary Kirsten in the frame

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