England’s managing director Rob Key has indicated that it would be “stupid” not to consider Ben Stokes for the white-ball captaincy. This comes in the wake of Jos Buttler’s resignation as captain after England’s disappointing performance in the Champions Trophy 2025.
Stokes, who is currently recovering from a serious hamstring injury sustained at the end of the New Zealand tour, has yet to prove he can manage the dual role of all-rounder and captain in Test cricket after undergoing multiple operations. However, with Jos Buttler facing the axe following a third consecutive poor global tournament, Stokes has emerged as a potential candidate to lead all three formats of the game.
“Ben Stokes is one of the best captains I’ve ever seen, so it would be stupid not to look at him,” Key stated. He emphasized the importance of considering all options, saying, “Nothing’s off the table really. You look at every single option and you think: ‘Right, what is the best thing to do?’”
Key praised Stokes for his tactical acumen and leadership qualities, noting, “He’s an unbelievably good tactician, which we’ve seen in Test cricket, and he’s a leader of men.”
While Stokes is training in Abu Dhabi with the England Lions and is reportedly on track to be fit for the start of the season, Harry Brook is seen as a more likely replacement for Buttler.
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