How is Ben Stokes both good and bad as a Test captaincy contender?

Since Joe Root stepped down from the captaincy, English cricket corridors have filled up with debates and discussions. There is a big unanswered question making merry go round in English Cricket: Who will lead the team in the longest format of the game?

Various experts and pundits have been discussing the various names as they try to pick up from the current team, who can probably lead the team in Test cricket. But, as all debates, theories, questions, and discussions are running, one name has been called from each corridor: Benjamin Andrew Stokes.

Here is this analysis of the dashing all-rounder’s competency to put the argument in favour of ‘Yes for Stokes’. Heading into the conversation, we will also try to find an answer for both - how good or bad he can be as a leader on the throne. 

Pros for Stokes, the Test captain

When it is about the transfer of captaincy, Ben Stokes, the all-rounder as captain, could not be swallow by many, as England haven’t had many successful all-rounders, starting from Ian Botham to Andrew Flintoff. Just like Stokes, both these gentlemen were spending with bat and ball, but Botham and Flintoff’s calibre as captain can be questioned. However, unlike the former men, Stokes is cut from the finest cloth roll when it comes to leading his team. 

The 31-year old’s leadership skills have been visible a couple of times on the ground. He has led his county a couple of times before proving his worth right in The Hundred and has captained his national ODI squad in a critical juncture against Pakistan.

Apart from all that, the Miracle Man - as he’s called - has motivated his teammates to rise from low moments. His coordination with his fellow teammates would positively add to his captaincy. This add-on may bring the English team back on the road to success in Test cricket.

Making Stokes’ case strong, Naseer Hussain has also supported the handing over of captaincy to the star all-rounder.

“Ben Stokes is an obvious candidate for me to fit in this role. He has delivered some phenomenal things over the field as a cricketer and has a very intelligent cricket brain.

“People are coming with an example of Flintoff or Botham? He is neither Botham nor Flintoff, he should not be judged on the basis of what previous ones have delivered.” Hussain added in his statement.

The darker side of the mirror for having Stokes 

The possible ‘good part’ of having Stokes as English Test captain has been discussed above, but now it’s time to highlight another side of the coin. 

The New Zealand born all-rounder has been out of the team, not because of his form but due to injuries and mental health. And captaining England in the longest format takes a significant toll on one’s body, mind and soul. 
If you have any doubt, ask Andrew Strauss! 

Captaincy’s responsibilities directly impact and burdens an individual’s performance as a player. 

If Stokes gets or/and decides to take the throne, the Miracle Man will have to work many things - starting from managing himself and his injuries to the way to carve the young and inexperienced team that he’ll get. He will also have to search for a way to balance aggression and calmness. 

Both having and not having Benjamin Andrew Stokes as the leader of the Three Lions would be both good and bad for English cricket. So concluding on this debate - as said for famous personalities - you may love him, you may hate, but you can not ignore him. 

He’s Benjamin Andrew Stokes for you!