Ben Stokes Replacement Looms as ECB Decision Nears
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is searching for a new Test captain after Ben Stokes announced his retirement from international cricket last month. Former England fast bowler Steven Finn has suggested a surprise candidate to replace Stokes: Surrey wicket-keeper Ollie Pope.
What happened?
Pope has not played for England since being dropped during the winter's Ashes tour of Australia. However, Finn believes that Pope has the skills to succeed Stokes as Test captain. Pope has averaged 56.66 in County Championship cricket this season, scoring 510 runs in 12 innings.
Why it matters for Ben Stokes
The ECB is currently shortlisting candidates to become the new Test coach after Brendon McCullum's departure was confirmed on Sunday. McCullum will remain in charge of the white-ball sides. The favourite to succeed Stokes as Test captain is Harry Brook, who has already stated his willingness to take on the role if it is offered to him.
What comes next?
However, the spanner in the works, as far as Brook is concerned, is that he is already captain of both of England's white-ball sides. The next 50-over World Cup takes place in 13 months' time, and the ECB may decide to keep Brook in charge of that team ahead of the tournament. England have also risen to number one in the world in T20Is under Brook's stewardship after they thrashed India 4-0 last week.
Finn believes that Pope's experience as vice-captain under McCullum and his ability to lead the team when Stokes was unavailable make him an ideal candidate to succeed Stokes as Test captain. However, Finn concedes that the required make-up of England's bowling attack could count against him.
Who else could replace Ben Stokes as England captain?
Alternative players inside the England setup that could replace Stokes include Joe Root, who stepped in on a temporary basis for the recent second Test against New Zealand after Stokes and Gus Atkinson were left out over a curfew-related incident. However, Root has previously had a mixed spell in charge of the Test team - though if former England coach Andy Flower returns for a second spell at the helm, his chances might be strengthened.
Jacob Bethell is seen as a long-term leadership candidate and captained England for a T20I series against Ireland last year. But, at 22, now could be too soon for him to take the full-time Test role.
The ECB will make a decision on the new Test captain and coach in the coming weeks. With several candidates in the running, it remains to be seen who will succeed Stokes as Test captain.
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