Joe Root nominates Ben Stokes: The English captain has expressed confidence in his deputy leading the Test side in his absence.
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England Test captain Joe Root believes West Indies are helping the game “massively” by agreeing to tour England this month amidst the COVID-19 scare.
With England Cricket Board officially announcing the three-match Test series, Root sounded in awe of the West Indies who are expected to reach England by next week via chartered planes. After quarantining themselves for two weeks, West Indies will resume training before playing the first Test from July 8.
“It’s been extremely difficult times for everyone around the world. For the West Indies to still come over here, they are obviously helping the game massively. It must be extremely scary [for them] and I think the whole cricketing world will be grateful to see some cricket again,” Root was quoted as saying.
Root was among the English cricketers who returned from Sri Lanka in March when coronavirus had started to postpone cricketing events round the globe. Having last played for England during the tour of South Africa earlier this year, Root might end up missing the first Test against West Indies in Southampton.
Joe Root likely to miss Southampton Test
It is worth mentioning that Root and his wife are expecting their second child in the first week of July. With a bio-secure environment set to be created during the Test series, it will become difficult for Root to leave for the hospital before and during the first Test.
“The start of July is the due date, so that complicates things slightly. In terms of the bubble, and the pregnancy, it’s always an evolving thing. It’s being discussed currently with the medical team and we’re always trying to stay up to date with it.
“At the minute it’s still open for discussion but it will have to come down to Government advice, whatever that is and we’ll follow those protocols and do whatever is right,” Root said.
Joe Root nominates Ben Stokes
Being asked about his captaincy replacement, Root didn’t shy away from nominating his deputy and illustrious all-rounder Ben Stokes for the role. The 29-year old player backed his captaincy choice with a detailed explanation as to why Stokes could easily fill the void.
“I think if Ben [Stokes] was captain he would be fantastic. One of his great qualities as vice-captain, and as a leader, is he sets the example.
“It’s the way he goes about his training, how he wants to bowl in difficult circumstances, the way he stands up in different scenarios with the bat…he drags people with him and gets the best out of the players around him.
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