Stokes set to take England’s No.3 role

ENGLAND captain Joe Root says Ben Stokes is eager to shoulder the “added responsibility” of batting in the problem position of number three in the second Test against Sri Lanka.

The tourists will field an unchanged XI at Pallekele Stadium following their resounding victory in Galle, leaving out the fit-again Jonny Bairstow and promoting their star all-rounder to arguably the most crucial spot in the order.

England have spent five years seeking a long-term successor to Jonathan Trott, with Root vacating the role in the summer and Moeen Ali’s double failure in the previous match forcing yet another rethink.

“Ben’s game is in good shape and he is more than capable of batting at three. He is relishing the added responsibility of doing a job at three,” said Root.

“Ben’s technique is sound and he will be able to adapt to this role.”

The talk of responsibility is pertinent given Stokes lost the vicecaptaincy last year, in the aftermath of the incident which saw him miss the Ashes and ultimately be acquitted on a charge of affray.

Despite surrendering the formal leadership role, he has never relinquished his influential status in the group and will not shrink from the challenge that comes with his elevation.

He has played 64 of his 85 Test knocks as a number six but will now have the opportunity to define the innings rather than rescue or polish it.

England are nevertheless mindful of over-working their allrounders, and last week pencilled Jos Buttler in to swap with Moeen if the spinner was tired from his efforts with the ball.

Buttler could play a similar safety net role for Stokes, though it seems unlikely his headstrong nature or endless reserves of energy would allow for that.

“We are in a fortunate position that many in the side could bat in that position. If we feel that he has done a tremendous workload with the ball, then we can adapt and alter the order if it’s necessary, but I don’t expect that to happen,” explained Root.

“Ben is one of the fittest guys in the side, so the intensity of batting in the top order and bowling as one of our three seamers, will not faze him.”

Root also opened up on breaking the bad news to his long-time Yorkshire team-mate Bairstow.

“Jonny was available for selection,” admitted Root, admirably preferring not to hide behind caution over Bairstow’s condition.

“Trevor and I have spoken to him about finding the right balance for this Test with the conditions we are expecting.”