Last Updated on 2 years by Charbel Coorey
Cricket News: Will Ben Stokes lead England to a win in the Tests vs South Africa? | Will England beat South Africa in the Tests?
England has always been able to count on the undoubted quality that Ben Stokes possesses, both with the bat and ball. But, since his appointment as Test team captain in April, it’s become clear that as a leader, he has perhaps even more to offer to the national team’s cause.
After England’s disastrous 4-0 loss in the Ashes and their limp defeat in the West Indies, the summer visits of New Zealand, India, and South Africa will have seemed like something to fear. No doubt anyone offering today’s cricket match predictions sees things entirely differently; what a difference a few wins can make.
Ben Stokes recently took a big decision to quit one-day international duties, and given the crowded nature of the cricketing calendar, it’s probably a wise move that the 31-year-old has taken.
That decision came with something of a warning from the skipper, who has rightly pointed out that players are not capable of meeting the demands of modern-day multi-format cricket as it currently stands.
“I will play my last game for England in ODI cricket on Tuesday in Durham. I have decided to retire from this format.”
“This has been an incredibly tough decision to make. I have loved every minute of playing with my mates for England. We have had an incredible journey on the way,”
“Three formats are just unsustainable for me now,”
“Not only do I feel that my body is letting me down because of the schedule and what is expected of us, but I also feel that I am taking the place of another player who can give Jos (Buttler) and the rest of the team their all,” Stokes added.
Fresher Ben Stokes to lead England against South Africa
ODI’s loss should hopefully be Test cricket’s gain. The 50-over format of the game is seemingly the weak link in the chain right now, and Stokes has made the brave decision to move away from the one-day game. That should hold him in good stead for both the long-form and the highly popular T20 format.
Having helped England to a glorious run of four successive wins over New Zealand and India, Ben Stokes will now switch his focus to South Africa, and he knows that his team will have a tough time of it against the Proteas.
South Africa is also on a decent run of form, having eased past Bangladesh in two-match Test series in April. This followed a drawn series against New Zealand, which came after successive triumphs over West Indies and India.
The first Test starts on August 17th at Lords and will be followed by games at Old Trafford and The Oval. There will be a great deal of expectation weighing on the shoulders of the captain, but as history has proven before, Ben Stokes is more than capable of delivering the goods when England is in most need of him.