Published: Sep 30, 2016, 07:26 PM (IST)
Edited: Sep 30, 2016, 07:26 PM (IST)
Melbourne: England all-rounder Ben Stokes is likely to take over as vice-captain for the upcoming ODI series against Bangladesh, with stand-in skipper Jos Buttler also praising the former’s real leadership qualities. Regular vice-captain Buttler was asked to lead the side for the Bangladesh tour after Eoin Morgan decided to withdraw from the series due to security concerns. Insisting that he expects the Durham all-rounder to act as his deputy, Buttler believes Stokes’ aggressive and committed approach would perfectly fit with England’s front-foot attitude. “I think from the conversations I have had that Ben Stokes will probably be my vice captain. He’s obviously a fantastic guy for the team,” Buttler was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.
“In the last 12 months you’ve seen real leadership qualities develop in him, and he’s obviously a fantastic cricketer in all facets,” said the 26-year-old, who had previously captained the country only once in a Twenty20 match against Pakistan last year. Besides Morgan, opener Alex Hales had also pulled out of the tour due to the same reason. The security concerns have sharply risen in the Asian country since terror attack in Dhaka cafe in July, which killed 20 hostages, including nine Italians. England are slated to play a three-match ODI series and two Tests in Bangladesh, starting from October 7 at the Sher-e-Bangla in Dhaka.
Stokes in fact has been in and out of the team due to injury. But with Morgan backing out of the tour and Joe Root being rested for the ODIs, it paves way for Stokes to takeover as his nation’s vice-captain.
