Rob Key, the managing director for England cricket, stated that it would be unwise not to consider Ben Stokes for the ODI captaincy. This comes after England’s disappointing performance in the recent ICC tournament and Jos Buttler’s resignation as captain. Key believes Stokes could be the key to revitalizing the team.
Stokes, aged 33, is considered a highly influential figure in English cricket. He played a crucial role in England’s success in holding both white-ball World Cup titles. Although he had retired from ODIs and only returned for the 2023 World Cup, and despite a previous hamstring injury affecting his potential Champions Trophy participation, Key suggests his leadership is invaluable.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, March 6th, Key emphasized Stokes’ exceptional captaincy skills, particularly in Test cricket. He highlighted Stokes’ tactical brilliance and ability to lead and inspire players, especially under pressure. Key acknowledged the need to consider the potential impact on Stokes’ workload but stressed that all options are being evaluated to determine the best path forward for the team.
Key pointed out Stokes’ successful partnership with Brendon McCullum in Test cricket and suggested that reuniting them in the ODI format could be beneficial. He noted the increasing similarity between Test and ODI cricket, contrasting it with the T20 format. He used India as an example, where Test players form the backbone of their ODI team.
Furthermore, Key expressed optimism about Harry Brook’s future leadership potential. He believes that having Stokes in a leadership role could aid Brook’s development as a future captain across all formats. Key recognizes the importance of finding the right balance of responsibility for players to maximize their potential.
