Let’s make fans love Tests again, says Stokes

BEN STOKES says he wants to make the English public ‘fall in love’ with Test cricket again when he steps up to become vice-captain, forming a dynamic new leadership pairing with his great friend Joe Root. Stokes’s promotion is recognition of the huge influence the Durham all-rounder has as the heartbeat of the England side in all three formats. ‘Test cricket is the pinnacle and we need people to fall in love with it again,’ said Stokes. ‘We need to win but we want to perform in a manner that makes people want to come and watch us. ‘I’ve always believed Rooty was going to be captain. He’s the right person and getting the news that I would be his vice-captain made me ecstatic. It’s a real honour. It’s supporting Rooty but it’s also recognition from him and the people at the top of the ECB.’ Stokes, 25, who has had his share of scrapes with authority on and off the field, insists he won’t change the all-action style that so appeals to England coach Trevor Bayliss, who wants his character to rub off on others in the team. ‘Everything I do is to win and being vice-captain won’t change me as a person or a player,’ insisted Stokes. ‘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 a 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.’ And Stokes is adamant that Root is the best man to replace Alastair Cook. ‘He’s got respect from everyone in the changing room and from other cricketers around the world,’ added Stokes. ‘We listen to him when he speaks. He’s a natural cricket thinker and talks a lot of sense. ‘The biggest thing is having the respect of the people you are in charge of. Joe has that and that goes a long way.’ Meanwhile, England all-rounder David Willey has had surgery on his injured left shoulder and is out of next month’s one-day tour of the West Indies. He has been replaced by Middlesex fast bowler Steven Finn.