Beefy backs captain Ben

IAN BOTHAM has backed the appointment of Ben Stokes as England captain, telling The Mail on Sunday the all-rounder is the ‘only choice’ for the role.

There are concerns too much could be asked of Stokes, a key figure across three formats for England who has taken time out in the past 12 months for emotional and physical reasons.

Botham captained England for 12 Tests between 1980 and 1981 with mixed results. He too had to balance leadership duties with significant responsibilites with bat and ball.

He said: ‘Stokes will do very well as England captain, but cricket is not all about individuals. It is about the team.’