Joe Root set to miss 1st ENG-WI Test; Ben Stokes in line to captain

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Ben Stokes says it will be a “huge honour” to captain England | Joe Root set to miss the first England vs West Indies Test due to birth of second child

Ben Stokes is set to captain England for the first time in his career. Joe Root, England’s permanent Test captain is set to miss England’s upcoming Test against West Indies, due to the birth of his second daughter.

Stokes has said that it would be a huge honour to captain England, even though he hasn’t given it too much thought. “I’ve given it a little thought but not really dived into it yet,” said Stokes.

“I mean, it’s not like it’s not a big deal. Getting the opportunity to captain England is a huge honour. Even if it’s only the once, you can say you captained England.

“So it’s something that I’m looking forward to if the opportunity presents itself. But also I know I’m only stepping in to take over the reins because of Joe’s personal situation,” said the 29-year old England vice-captain.

Also read: 6 key players to watch out for in upcoming England vs West Indies Test series

Ben Stokes says it will be a "huge honour" to captain England | Joe Root set to miss the first England vs West Indies Test due to birth of second child
Ben Stokes celebrates an unforgettable England victory in the 2019 Ashes

Stokes admitted that captaincy was never a career goal, but will look forward to the opportunity should it present itself.

“I never set a goal to want to be a captain,” Stokes said. “If you look at Alastair Cook he was destined to be captain after Andrew Strauss and Joe Root was destined to be captain after Alastair Cook, you know who the next one will be when one is coming towards the end of his career.

“If I’m being honest, I’m not one of those who people would necessarily associate with being next England captain. But I am looking forward to the opportunity of doing it.”

The captaincy, even though it will be brief, is part of Stokes’ incredible rise over the past couple of years. His 2019 in particular was outstanding, leading England to World Cup glory and keeping their Ashes hopes alive with the most memorable of knocks at Headingley. So, it comes of little surprise that Stokes will be out to do what works best for him, even with the captaincy tag.

“I always try to set the example in terms of commitment and attitude,” Stokes said. “When it comes down to what to do in a situation it will always be a positive route.”

If Stokes is indeed named captain, he will lead an England side boasting an attack that Darren Gough (recent England bowling consultant) believes is the country’s best since the 2005 Ashes.

“It’s as good as they’ve had since 2005. It’s got everything. They’ve got a great chance of winning in Australia [in 2021-22], they really have,” said Gough.

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