SOS ALL WHITE FOR BEN
Hero Stokes is happy to answer call of duty
BEN STOKES is only too happy to step up and try to fill Eoin Morgan’s shoes after England sent out an SOS to their hero all-rounder.
Stokes will captain a new England squad for the first time in a threematch ODI series against Pakistan, with the original squad in isolation following seven positive Covid cases.
He was not supposed to be playing any international white-ball cricket this summer as he continues his recovery from finger surgery.
“To say that I wasn’t expecting to be leading England out in a one-day match in Cardiff this week would be a huge understatement,” said Stokes, who was pulled out of Durham’s game at Warwickshire.
“But here we are, and duty calls – even if I only packed clothes for three days away. With my finger still on the mend, the plan for me wasn’t to play any international white-ball cricket and just focus on getting ready for the India Test series.
“But with both Morgs and Jos (Buttler) unavailable, not to mention the likes of Moeen and Rooty and the rest of our first-choice squad, I knew I had to step up.
“And just like it was last year with the Test team, it will be a huge honour to lead this side. The last time I captained a white-ball side was in an IPL warm-up game.
“So this will be new for me too, but my experience should get me through, even if Morgs’ shoes are unbelievably big to fill!”
The replacement 18-man squad has nine uncapped players, with some county stalwarts like keeper John Simpson of Middlesex and Gloucestershire’s left-arm seamer David Payne joining young stars like Surrey all-rounder Will Jacks.
But with established internationals such as Dawid Malan and Zak Crawley included, Stokes is in no doubt Pakistan will be in for a contest.
“What stands out to me is the sheer quality of the players picked,” he added.
“We will still be putting out a proper international-class side with plenty of experience at the highest level.
“I’m not sure how many countries could lose this many players and still have such quality to choose from.
“What a great chance they have been given.”