Ben Stokes may no longer be England’s vice-captain in Test cricket
Image courtesy of: Zimbio
England captain Joe Root has admitted that all-rounder Ben Stokes may no longer be the country’s vice-captain when it comes to Test cricket.
Stokes recently made his international comeback after spending numerous months on the sidelines following his alleged involvement in a street fight outside the Mbargo nightclub in Bristol last September.
The incident put Stokes in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons and even caused him to be dropped for the Ashes.
The 26-year-old recently appeared at Bristol Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty to a charge of affray.
However, while he has featured in the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand, where he was named Man of the Match in the second game, Root conceded that he and head coach Trevor Bayliss will have to talk about whether Stokes will retain the Test vice-captaincy ahead of England’s two-Test series against the Black Caps.
“That’s a decision we’ve not agreed yet,” Root was quoted as saying by The Mirror. “I think when we get together as a Test group me and Trevor will discuss a few things.”
Going back to the second ODI against New Zealand in Mount Maunganui, Root admitted that he was pleased to see Stokes have such a massive impact with both the bat and ball.
“He worked really hard in Durham to make sure when he did get his opportunity to come back he was ready,” Root said. “He loves playing for England and you can see that in the way he plays.
“He leaves nothing out on the field, he’s really dedicated to this sport and it’s nice to see him have such an influence on the result.”
When asked if England would have lost the Ashes 4-0 if Stokes had been available, Root said: “There’s no point looking back at it like that.
“It is what it is and the important thing is in terms of Test cricket we look forward to this next series and make sure he can build momentum in this one-day series and keep putting in match-winning performances to give him confidence when he does come back to red-ball cricket.
“It’s testament to just how good a player he actually is, to have such a period out of the game and come straight back and perform how he has shows the skill level of the individual. It’s good to see him back, it really is.”