Stokes is poised for the top job after captain quits

BEN STOKES is firm favourite to become England’s new captain after Joe Root stepped down yesterday. Root jumped before he could be pushed on the day it emerged former Kent and England batsman Rob Key will next week succeed Ashley Giles as managing director. The 31-year-old resigned after five years that saw him both win and lose more Tests than any other England captain. His surprise decision to go now, after insisting he was still the right man after the defeat by West Indies last month, stopped Key having to sack a popular captain. ‘I have loved leading my country but it has hit home how much of a toll it has taken and the impact it has had on me away from the game,’ said Root. ‘It’s the most challenging decision I’ve had to make in my career but, having discussed it with my family and those closest to me, I know the timing is right. I am immensely proud to have captained my country and will look back on the last five years with enormous pride.’ Root led England to 27 Test victories after succeeding Sir Alastair Cook in 2017 but presided over three Ashes series without lifting the fabled urn. With his vice-captain and trusted lieutenant Stokes in line to take over, the captain’s resignation makes it easier for the everloyal Stokes to succeed him rather than step in for a friend who had been sacked. ‘Been a great ride with you my friend,’ said Stokes on Instagram. ‘Watching one of my great mates lead us out onto the field was a privilege. You have given everything for English cricket and we all want to say thank you for all your sacrifices and hard work.’ Key has emerged as the best candidate for managing director from a small field of viable options that disappointed interim MD and kingmaker Sir Andrew Strauss. But Key, who has developed into an outstanding broadcaster with Sky, has a sharp cricket brain and strong views and gets the vote of Strauss ahead of Mark Nicholas and former national selector Ed Smith.