England are in big trouble if Ben Stokes isn’t interested in captaincy: Ian Chappell

Former Australian captain Ian Chappell has opined that England might be in trouble if Ben Stokes doesn’t show interest in leadership. Joe Root has stepped down from Test captaincy for England after the side’s dismal show in the last few series and a new skipper is yet to be named by ECB. In all possibilities, Stokes who has done the job at times in absence of Root is likely to take up the role.

England will be up against New Zealand in a three-match Test series in June and a new head coach will have to be appointed along with a new skipper. Rob Key was appointed as the new director of the side replacing Ashley Giles who had stepped down after the Ashes. However, the question remains what if Stokes isn’t serious about taking captaincy and there are very few stabilised Test cricketers for England to become contenders.

Stoke’s fire in the belly and positive approach don’t guarantee success: Ian Chappell

Chappell mentioned that England will be in trouble big time if Stokes isn’t interested in taking up captaincy as he is the only option. He also noted that Stokes has the fire to succeed, but isn’t a guarantee and felt that it will be harsh to raise doubts over him just because previous all-rounders have been unsuccessful as captain.

“There’s only one viable captaincy option in the best XI and that’s allrounder Ben Stokes. If he seriously isn’t interested in the job, then England are in big trouble. To question Stokes’ viability based purely on the inferior captaincy of previous star allrounders is indefensible. Stokes has the fire in his belly and the positive approach to be successful. However, that alone doesn’t guarantee success,” wrote Chappell in his column for ESPNCricinfo on Sunday.

He added that Stuart Broad or Jos Buttler should not be considered for the positions as they don’t guarantee a place in the Test lineup. England lost their previous Test series against West Indies 0-1 and are at the bottom of the World Test Championship table 2021-23.

“Stuart Broad is an intelligent, well-spoken player, but he should not be a captaincy consideration. He’s now too old and maintains a conservative streak, especially when it comes to field placings for his own bowling. Jos Buttler is not a Test wicketkeeper; he has no obvious place in the first XI,” he added.