Being captain not on Ben’s to-do list
STOKES: CARRYING SUCH A HUGE BURDEN NOT FOR ME
Ben Stokes admitted yesterday he is not interested in captaining England in the future. Stokes has emerged as one of the most charismatic and exciting England stars for decades, but the all-rounder isn’t keen to shoulder the extra responsibility of the captaincy.
After playing a key role in England’s historic first 50-over World Cup victory earlier this year, Stokes also shone in the Ashes series against Australia.
He currently serves as deputy to Test skipper Joe Root, but doesn’t believe he would thrive as the team’s leader.
“That’s not an aspiration of mine. It’s just not one of those things I’m desperate to do,” Stokes told the BBC’s Today programme.
“I’m very happy at the moment being vice-captain, we’ve got a great leader in Joe.
“You never know how you handle the pressure of being England captain unless you do it. Being the Test captain of England – so much pressure comes with it.
“It’s a huge burden to carry because everything falls back on you, especially if it goes bad, and you never know how you’ll handle that pressure until you walk out onto the field as England captain.
“So I’ve got no idea how I’d handle it if I did it but, as I say, it’s not an aspiration of mine.”
Stokes (28) is on tour with England in New Zealand at present as he looks to finish a memorable year on a high note.
While he doesn’t like the idea of being a captain, when he eventually retires, Stokes would welcome a coaching role.
“I guess there always comes a time when you have to start seriously thinking about it and I always say I’d love to be a coach in the future,” he added.
“I can’t ever see myself just completely disconnecting myself away from the game as some people have. But I’m still only 28, I have got plenty of years in the tank hopefully.”
– New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has been rewarded for his success in white ball cricket with a maiden callup to the Test squad for matches against England and Australia, the country’s board (NZC) said yesterday.
Ferguson finished as the second highest wicket-taker at the 50-overs World Cup in England where New Zealand lost a nail-biting final in a super over to the hosts.
The 28-year-old has played 36 one-day internationals and eight twenty20 matches for the Black Caps while he has also shown strong domestic form with 153 wickets from 42 first-class games at an average of 24.30.
“There’s no doubt Lockie has been knocking on the door for a while now and we’re delighted to finally bring him into the Test fold,” selector Gavin Larsen said in a NZC statement.
“It’s well documented he has raw pace, but he also possesses a quality bowling skill set and has proved his durability.
“Our pace bowling stocks are strong at the moment and we feel Lockie will add another dimension to the picture, and will create some great competition.”
Kane Williamson will lead the side after missing the recently concluded T20 series against England with a hip injury.