Ben Stokes has issued a Valentine’s Day message of love © Associated Press
Ben Stokes hopes England’s positive style of Test cricket can persuade spectators to “fall in love with it again.”
Stokes believes that, with Joe Root as captain, England will wholeheartedly embrace an entertaining approach that can not only produce victories but inspire a new audience.
While accepting that England – currently fourth in the ICC Test rankings – were in something of a “transition,” Stokes felt that Root was the perfect man to “take the team forward.”
“Test cricket is the pinnacle of the game,” Stokes said, “and we need people to fall in love with it again.
“We need to win, but we want to perform in a manner that makes people want to come and watch us.
“Every team goes through transition but I hope we can be influential in taking the team forward. Cooky started us on that path, Rooty was part of that as vice-captain and now we can carry that on. We have the same direction of where we want to take the team.
“I’ve always believed that Rooty was going to be captain. Rooty and I have known each other for years, from county age group, England age group, Lions and now England. We have the same direction of where we want to take the team
“He’s the right person and the best person to do it. He’s a colleague but also a close mate and I was chuffed to bits for him. I couldn’t be more pleased for him.
“The biggest thing is having respect of the people you are in charge of. He has that and respect goes a long way.”
Stokes also expressed his delight at his own appointment as England’s vice-captain, but insisted the added responsibility will not change him on or off the pitch.
“Getting the news that I would be his vice-captain made me ecstatic,” Stokes said. “It’s a real honour. It’s England vice-captain, it’s supporting Rooty, but it’s also the recognition from him and the people at the top of the ECB.
“Everything I do is to win and being vice-captain won’t change me as a person or as a player. I want to be involved in all aspects of the game, whether it’s hitting the winning runs or taking the final wicket. I have always wanted to be in the middle of it.
“Being vice-captain I will have to bring a mental and supportive side too. If I am not involved in the game then I will have to add my tactical input.
“I have been more vocal over the last year but I only speak when I think something needs to be said. I’m not one for cliches. Just being vice-captain doesn’t give me the right to say whatever I want. There are still some areas I can get better at but hopefully I can improve and we can win more games for England.”
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Source: ESPN Crickinfo