The ECB has announced that Ben Stokes will lead the England team in the first Test match against the West Indies. This will be Stokes' debut as captain in international cricket. Scheduled to begin on July 8 at the Ageas Bowl, the match will be played in an empty stadium. Stokes steps in because Joe Root is unavailable for the first Test due to the birth of his second child.
ECB announced that Ben stokes will captain England team in the first Test match against West Indies. This is the first time Ben Stokes will be leading England in International cricket. The first Test match will be played in an empty stadium which is scheduled to begin from July 8 at Ageas Bowl. This decision has been made since Joe Root will be missing the first Test match due to the birth of his second child.
The news comes as no surprise, as reports about the couple expecting another child had already surfaced in the media. Carrie Root is due in early July, and following the birth, Joe will be required to self-isolate at home for one week. He will be eligible to return to the team for the subsequent matches in the series once the isolation period ends.
During a virtual press briefing, Ben Stokes described the opportunity to lead his national team as a great honor. He noted that while becoming captain had never been a primary goal or a specific ambition of his, he acknowledges that leading England is a significant achievement, regardless of the duration.
On Sunday, seam bowler Stuart Broad told reporters that Stokes has matured significantly in his approach to the game and expressed absolute confidence in his teammate's abilities. Broad is certain that Stokes will excel in his role as leader during the first Test match.