ECB announce Ben Stokes as England’s new Test Captain, succeeds Joe Root: England Cricket Board (ECB) on Thursday announced premier all-rounder Ben Stokes as the new skipper of England Men’s Test side. Ben will succeed Joe Root, who stepped down from the role earlier this month. Stokes has been named as England’s 81st test captain.
The development was confirmed by ECB through various tweets and posts on social media, congratulating the all-rounder for the new innings in the traditional format of cricket. “Congratulations to our new Men’s Test captain, @benstokes38!” wrote England Cricket in a tweet.
Rob Key, managing director of England Cricket, said, he is delighted that Ben Stokes has accepted the offer to lead England in the test cricket and the cricketer thoroughly deserves the opportunity.
“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,” said Rob Key.
He further added that he “has no hesitation in offering the role of Test captain to Ben.”
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CEO of the England and Wales Cricket Board, Tom Harrison also extended his wishes for Ben Stokes on becoming the test skipper. He said Ben will lead England test cricket to a new era with great pride.
“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,” said Tom Harrison in a release issued by the ECB.
Meanwhile, Stokes said he is excited about the upcoming summer and thanked former skipper Joe Root for his services to England cricket.
“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.
“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,” said Stokes.
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