Cricket: Aussie Ashes heartbreaker Ben Stokes set to captain England in Test against West Indies
The one-time bad boy of world cricket turned World Cup and Ashes hero is now the Test captain of his country. England have turned to their superstar all-rounder in their time of need.
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After working hard to restore his reputation following a late-night fight in Bristol, Ben Stokes broke Australian hearts at Headingley during last year’s Ashes.
Now the redemption of the superstar England all-rounder is complete with Stokes set to captain his country in the first Test against West Indies on July 8.
Joe Root is likely to miss the game to attend the birth of his second child giving Stokes, the one-time bad boy of world cricket turned World Cup and Ashes hero, his chance to be captain.
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“Getting the opportunity to captain England is a huge honour. Even if it’s only the once, you can say you captained England,” Stokes said.
“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.”
Stokes lost the England vice-captaincy and had to flee to New Zealand, where he was born, in 2018 after the late-night fight in Bristol resulted in charges of affray.
He was eventually found not guilty but not before the case made headlines around the world.
Stokes has turned his life and career around since the incident, helping England win the World Cup last year with his super-over heroics.
Then at Headingley he single-handedly won the third Ashes Test with a stunning final day hundred that rescued England from 9-286, smashing 11 fours and eight sixes in a 76-run final wicket stand with Jack Leach.
A victory there would have seen Australia retain the Ashes, which the tourists did in the next Test at Manchester.
Stokes said he had worked hard to redeem himself and, while he never aspired to captain England, said he would lead the way with “commitment and attitude”.
“After that happened (in Bristol) it was, ‘Right, what am I going to do from this point forward? How am I going to carry and conduct myself?’ I’m quite proud to say I’m in this situation through hard work and determination. It’s been no fluke,” he said.
“I don’t normally like to speak about myself in this way but, looking back, I’m proud of what I’ve been able to do since that incident happened. It’s been through complete dedication and hard work towards the job I do.
“I never set a goal to want to be a captain. I always try to set the example in terms of commitment and attitude. When it comes down to what to do in a situation it will always be a positive route.”
Zimbabwe series canned
Cricket Australia will try to reschedule its one-day series with Zimbabwe after the three-match tour scheduled for August was postponed by mutual agreement due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The three-matches were set to be played in Australia‘s far north, including a first-ever international match in Townsville. The other two games were likely to be played in Darwin.
“While we are disappointed to postpone the series, CA and Zimbabwe Cricket agree that in the best interest of players, match officials, volunteers as well as our fans, that this is the most practical and sensible decision,” CA‘s interim chief executive Nick Hockley said in a statement.
“We are committed to working with Zimbabwe Cricket on alternative dates to reschedule.”
A combination of factors including the short length of the series and the significant biosecurity measures that would need to be implemented contributed to the decision to postpone.
Originally published as Cricket: Aussie Ashes heartbreaker Ben Stokes set to captain England in Test against West Indies