Stokes set for England position

BEN Stokes is likely to act as vice captain for England’s one-day international side on the tour to Bangladesh.

Stand-in skipper Jos Buttler hailed Stokes’ “real leadership qualities” in revealing he expects the Durham all-rounder to act as his deputy.

Buttler believes Stokes’ aggressive and committed approach will fit perfectly with England’s front-foot attitude to the white-ball game.

“I think from the conversations I have had that Ben Stokes will probably be my vice-captain,” said Buttler.

“He’s obviously a fantastic guy for the team. In the last 12 months you’ve seen real leadership qualities develop in him, and he’s obviously a fantastic cricketer in all facets.

“He loves that responsibility, and he’s someone I’d look to talk to and bounce ideas off.

“He’s got a great cricket brain and when he speaks you listen — he’s one of those guys.

“But he’s got some good ideas, he’s very passionate. And just the intensity he brings is great.

“My experiences of playing with him the last six to 12 months, he’s got some real leadership qualities. He drags guys along with him, which is great.”

Regular one-day skipper Eoin Morgan’s decision to miss the Bangladesh tour over security concerns opens a spot at No 4 in England’s one-day batting line-up.

Buttler could yet fill that gap himself but admitted he hopes a number of players will battle for the role.

“When we get there we’ll talk about all of that,” said Buttler.

“There’s some exciting guys coming in, like Ben Duckett and Sam Billings has been around for a long time as well.

“Jonny (Bairstow) is in the squad as well so he’s possibly someone who can bat at four.”