It was revealed today that Durham’s Ben Stokes will act as the England cricket team’s new Test captain, following the resignation of Joe Root earlier this month.
The 30-year-old, born in Christchurch, New Zealand, made his Test debut in 2013 against Australia, having signed international allegiance with England in 2011.
And after 79 test matches with the team, scoring 5,061 runs and bowling 10,250 balls, the versatile Stokes stepped up to lead his country into the future.
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The new role was announced by England on social media this morning, in a post which read: “Congratulations to our new Men’s Test captain, @benstokes38.”
Stokes will in turn replace drummer Root, who stepped down earlier this month after five years at the helm. The 31-year-old led England in a record 64 Tests during his time as captain.
And there was no sense of difficulty between the two, with Root also taking to social media to wish Stokes well in his new position. Sharing a photo of the two embracing, he wrote, “Always supported by each other. Congratulations mate, I’ll be with you every step of the way.”
Stokes also said: “Thank you for all the messages, proud day for me and my family. I love playing cricket for England, see you soon at Lord’s.”
And the North East were quick to congratulate the new captain on his succession, including his club Durham who shared deep messages of pride and joy. On Twitter, they posted: “England’s new Test captain. Durham proud of you, @bestokes38.”
Local sports fans as well as celebrities from further afield have also shared positive messages as the new captain begins his journey with England Cricket Club.
Piers Morgan, wrote: Congratulations to @benstokes38 on becoming England’s new cricket captain. I can’t think of a better choice – a magnificent player, a great guy, loved and respected by his teammates and feared by opponents around the world.
(Picture: PA)
“Good luck Ben and when the time comes, bring those ashes home!”
Former cricketer Michael Vaughan said: ‘Good luck with the best job in world sport @bestokes38..I think you will make a good test skipper’, while Lords Cricket Ground added: ‘ Congratulations, Ben. you led the test team for the first time in June.”
Sam Hill said: “Excellent choice for good luck captain”, while James Flett added: “Good luck Ben, absolutely the right person for the job.”
Kieren Bushnell wrote: “Absolutely thrilled for you Ben. You will lead by example and inspire. Couldn’t be happier to see you in the role.
“Good luck, and I can’t wait for you and your team to put a smile on the face of English cricket.”
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