"Just give it to them": Stokes questions England's decision to overlook Brook for Test captaincy
London, August 4
Former England skipper Ben Stokes questioned the Three Lions' decision not to appoint Harry Brook as Test captain despite him being the vice-captain.
Stokes said that if someone is viewed as a future leader, they should be given the opportunity, adding that he himself had little captaincy experience when he took over but was trusted to lead the team.
Joe Root got another spell as Test captain after the retirement of Stokes from international cricket.
"If you think someone is going to be a good captain or a good leader, just give it to them. Brooky [was] made vice-captain. I'm not there anymore, but even when I missed that Test match [against New Zealand] I was like 'why is Brooky not captain? He's vice-captain," Stokes said on the For The Love of Cricket podcast, as per Sky Sports.
"And I understood the reasoning why they were saying it, but I was still like, what message is that sending to him? He's vice-captain, and the captain is not playing, but he's not captain. Then the same again here. I had no leadership or captaincy experience when I took over. It was just thought I was going to be a good captain," he added.
Stokes also wished Root success in his captaincy role, saying his only concern is Root's well-being after witnessing the sacrifices he made for the team. Stokes praised Root for always putting the team's needs ahead of his own.
"I wish him [Root] nothing but success. I hope he goes on and achieves amazing things in his role as captain. I told Joe, I said my only worry is just you. And that's all I really care about now, just because I have seen what he went through and how much he put himself through for someone. He's just always put the team first - he always comes second," Stokes said.
Root, England's most successful Test captain with 27 wins from a record 65 matches in charge, resumes the role after previously leading the side from 2017 to 2022. He also served as interim captain during the recent Test against New Zealand at The Oval.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I see Stokes' point though. If you make someone vice-captain, you're telling them they're the future. Then when the captain isn't playing, you don't give them the job? That does send a confusing message. But Root leading again isn't a bad backup plan.
We Indians know a thing or two about leadership transitions! 😄 But jokes aside, Stokes is right. You have to back your young players. Look at how Dhoni was given the captaincy early—it worked wonders. Brook has that aggressive, modern approach that could define England's next era.
Root deserves respect, he's a legend. But Stokes makes a valid point about sending the right signals. The team management should have made their intentions clearer. This half-baked approach can affect a player's confidence. Hope Brook gets the full backing soon.
Interesting take from Stokes. As someone who follows cricket globally, I think Root is the right choice for now. The Ashes are around the corner, and you need experience. Brook can be groomed later. But Stokes' point about "giving it to them" is also how great leaders are made.
The more I think about it, the more I agree with Stokes. Cricket is about building futures, not just managing the present. Look at how India handled Virat or how Australia trusted Cummins early. If Brook is seen as a leader, give him the role. Root can still guide from the field.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.