'He's galvanised the team': Joe Root heaps praise on Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes and Joe Root | PC:Twitter

England continued their unbeaten series run under the leadership of Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum as they thumped South Africa in the third and final Test match by nine wickets to clinch the series. 

The bowling attack of England led by senior pacer James Anderson wreaked havoc at The Oval and snuffed out wickets in quick succession to help the team wrap up the game in just three days. 

Ever since Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes took up the roles of the head coach and captain, respectively, England have performed incredibly well in the longest format of the game.

Following their adoption to the no-holds-barred 'Bazball' approach, England went on to clean sweep defending World Test champions New Zealand 3-0, beat India in a rescheduled Test, and thrashed South Africa 2-1 at home.

Great joy to see Stokes take to Test captaincy like duck to water: Joe Root

Weighing in on the same, the former England captain Joe Root spoke at length about their recent success in red-ball cricket and heaped praise on his successor. 

Speaking to Sky Sports following England's nine wickets thumping victory over South Africa, Root conceded: 

"It's been incredible, great fun to be a part of, great fun to play the style of cricket we have, and to get back to winning ways as well."

The veteran batter further said that the atmosphere of the dressing room has been amazing under Stokes and the prolific all-rounder has always come up with clear messages as the Test captain in the new set-up. 

"I am absolutely thrilled for him [Stokes]. He has been awesome. He’s galvanised the team really well and been really clear with his messaging. He leads by example on the field.

“He’s led in every way possible this summer. It’s been a real joy to watch him take to that position like a duck to water." 

This was England's final Test match of the summer as the focus now shifts to the white ball cricket with the T20I World Cup lined up next month in Australia.  

England will visit Pakistan, where they are scheduled to play a seven-match T20I series. After that, they will play Australia just before the commencement of the marquee event down under. 

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