ENGLAND TEST CAPTAIN: Ben Stokes New Captain, Gary Kirsten New Coach

England Test Captain: England’s all-rounder Ben Stokes has agreed to become the captain of the England Test team. ECB’s managing director Rob Key ratified Ben Stokes for the role and is expected to announce it formally on Thursday. Here are more best Cricket betting tips and match guides for the 2022 season.

Stokes was a top contender for the role and had the backing of many former England players. England’s white-ball captain Eoin Morgan had earlier backed Ben Stokes for the Test captaincy role. He advocated Stokes as the right guy to lead the team in Tests. Joe Root led England for five years since Alastair Cook resigned in 2017. However, due to England’s dismal performances with one win in the last 17 Tests, Root’s captaincy was under strict scrutiny. Root was under pressure to relinquish and make space for someone else in the role. The search for a new Test captain has been on since Joe Root stepped down from the role.

Ben Stokes, who played as Root’s deputy, has led the team in his absence and reflected a good sense of captaincy. He was a preferred choice. Ben too was under immense stress and had even opted out of professional cricket to provide himself with a much-needed break. It was doubtful if he would agree to take the reigns from Root and become his successor. But for everyone’s good, Ben Stokes agreed to take on the new responsibility.

Gary Kirsten Has Agreed to Take the Role of England’s Head Coach

Get more best betting apps for IOS and Android here on our site and learn more about how online betting works.

The appointment of England’s coach has also inched closer as Gary Kirsten has agreed to take on the role. Since Rob Key took on the role of new managing director of the ECB, it has been his biggest task to find a full-time replacement for former coach Chris Silverwood. Former England all-rounder Paul Collingwood was assigned the role of an interim coach but was not very impressive as England lost the Test series in West Indies 1-0.

Australia’s former head coach Justin Langer was under consideration for the role. However, he was later ruled out due to his over-intensive approach as many suggested to Rob Key that it would not work well with Ben Stokes. Ben Stokes prefers a coach who would have a tactical approach and would work as a facilitator behind the scenes. Key also approached Ricky Ponting and Jayewardene but both turned down offers despite tempting offers. Gary Kirsten was the best choice in given circumstances. He has a proven record. His approach is not too hard but firm enough to bring out the best in players.

Rob Key will face the media for the first time in his new role at Lord’s on Thursday to make the official announcement. Keys will also have to finalize the new red and white-ball coaches. The roles have been formally advertised on Tuesday.

Looking for more Cricket betting tips and match guides for the 2022 season? Find them here and learn more from the betting experts.