WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT STOKESY
Root admits he must discuss star all-rounder’s vice-captaincy with Bayliss after his troubled winter
JOE ROOT accepts that Ben Stokes may lose his role as Test vice-captain following his troubled winter.
Root spoke of his admiration for the allrounder after his stunning return to the one-day team in New Zealand after five months in the international wilderness.
Stokes missed the Ashes over an incident in Bristol in September that leaves him facing a charge of affray.
And now England Test captain Root insists he needs to discuss his teammate’s status as his deputy with coach Trevor Bayliss ahead of the forthcoming two-match series against New Zealand that starts later this month.
“That’s a decision we’ve not agreed yet,” said Root. “I think when we get together as a Test group me and Trevor will discuss a few things.”
Root, speaking ahead of the third ODI in Wellington, was full of praise for the way Stokes has returned to the team.
The Durham man hit an unbeaten 63 to guide England to a serieslevelling win in the second ODI in Mount Maunganui as well as claiming two wickets and two run-outs.
“He worked really hard in Durham to make sure when he did get his opportunity to come back he was ready,” said Root.
“He loves playing for England and you can see that in the way he plays. He leaves nothing out on the field, he’s really dedicated to this sport and it’s nice to see him have such an influence on the result.”
Asked if that made him wonder what might have been had Stokes been available for the Ashes, Root, whose team were thrashed 4-0 by Australia, said: “There’s no point looking back at it like that.
“It is what it is and the important thing is in terms of Test cricket we look forward to this next series and make sure he can build momentum in this oneday series. And keep putting in match-winning performances to give him confidence when he does come back to red-ball cricket.
“It’s testament to just how good a player he actually is, to have such a period out of the game and come straight back and perform how he has shows the skill level of the individual.
‘‘It’s good to see him back, it really is.”