Ben Stokes appointed as captain of England's test cricket team
The Hindu
Stokes replaces Joe Root, who quit two weeks ago as England’s Test captain
Ben Stokes was appointed as captain of England's test cricket team on Thursday.
The allrounder replaced Joe Root, who quit the role two weeks ago with England having only won one of its last 17 test matches.
Stokes has just returned to the team after a spell out for mental-health reasons.
It is the first big decision by Rob Key, the former England batsman who was recently hired as managing director of men's cricket in England.
“He epitomizes the mentality and approach we want to take this team forward into the next era of red-ball cricket," Key said. "I am delighted that he has accepted, and he is ready for the added responsibility and the honor. He thoroughly deserves the opportunity.”
Daniel Quizon is the latest to join the band of leaders. The Philippines player beat Russian Artion Stribuk on the third board in the ninth round at the Gift City Club on Tuesday. The four overnight leaders – Kazybek Nogerbek of Kazakhstan, Russia’s Rudik Makarian, Mamikon Gharibyan of Armenia, and Colombia’s Jose Gabriel Cardoso – were featured in the drawn games on the top two boards.
On the seam-friendly pitches at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, Axar Patel’s left-arm spin plays second fiddle to the pacers. Axar, however, has added great value as a batter. The southpaw, promoted to No. 4 in the Pakistan outing on Sunday, held the Indian innings together with an 18-ball 20.