Ben Stokes has expressed his support for Jos Buttler to continue as the England white-ball captain, despite the recent disappointing defeat by India in the T20 World Cup semi-final. The defending champions suffered a heavy loss of 68 runs in Guyana, marking their third defeat in four matches against other Test-playing nations at the tournament in the Caribbean and United States. This defeat comes after England’s lackluster defense of the 50-over World Cup in India last year, where they only managed to win three out of nine matches.
Stokes, who played a crucial role in England’s World Cup victories in 2019 and 2020, believes that Buttler is the right man to lead the team forward. He highlighted Buttler’s leadership qualities and the respect he commands from his teammates in the dressing room. Despite the recent setbacks, Stokes emphasized the progress the team has made under Buttler’s captaincy and coach Matthew Mott.
Reflecting on England’s journey in the T20 World Cup, Stokes acknowledged the challenges faced by the team, including the weather-related abandonment of their opener against Scotland. He commended the team’s resilience in securing victories over Oman, Namibia, West Indies, and USA, which led them to the semi-finals. However, the team fell short against India in a one-sided contest, where they were bowled out for just 103 runs in pursuit of 172 on a difficult pitch.
Stokes expressed his reservations about the T20 World Cup format, highlighting how external factors like weather conditions can impact a team’s progress in the tournament. Despite the criticisms faced by the players, Stokes drew parallels between the pressure on the English cricket team and the expectations placed on the national football team ahead of crucial matches.
During a visit to Hawthorn Primary School in Newcastle, Stokes engaged with students, delivering a coaching session and answering their questions. He also voiced his support for increased physical education in schools, echoing calls from sports governing bodies for the government to guarantee at least two hours of physical activity for every child each week.
Looking ahead, Stokes is gearing up for the first Test against West Indies on 10th July, which will mark the final international match for England’s leading wicket-taker, James Anderson. The veteran bowler is retiring from international cricket, paving the way for younger pacers to step up in the team. Stokes praised Anderson for his dedication to the game, labeling him as a role model and one of England’s greatest cricketers.
After undergoing knee surgery and a period of rehabilitation, Stokes is eager to make a full return as an all-rounder for England in the upcoming home summer matches. He recently showcased his bowling prowess in County Championship matches for Durham, taking 15 wickets in 63.1 overs. Stokes expressed his excitement to don the England shirt once again and contribute to the team’s success on the field.