Ben Stokes is reportedly set to return to England's Test squad for the third and final match against New Zealand, but he may lose the captaincy. According to sources, Stokes has been recovering from a hamstring injury that kept him out of the first two Tests. His return is expected to bolster the team, but the England Cricket Board (ECB) is considering handing over the captaincy to someone else to reduce his workload.
Stokes' Return and Captaincy Status
The all-rounder missed the opening matches of the series due to the injury. England lost the first Test but bounced back to win the second. The third Test is scheduled to begin on June 24 in Leeds. While Stokes' return is a positive sign, reports suggest that the ECB may strip him of the captaincy to manage his fitness and prolong his career. Vice-captain Ollie Pope is likely to lead the side if Stokes is relieved of the role.
Potential Captaincy Candidates
Apart from Pope, other contenders for the captaincy include Ben Duckett and Chris Woakes. The ECB is keen to ensure that Stokes can focus on his batting and bowling without the additional burden of leadership. Stokes has been England's Test captain since 2022, leading the team to a historic series win against Pakistan and a successful Ashes campaign.
Impact on the Team
Stokes' return will provide a significant boost to the batting lineup and give the team an extra bowling option. His aggressive captaincy style has been praised, but the physical demands have taken a toll. The decision on captaincy is expected to be announced after the second Test ends.
Stokes' Recent Form
Stokes has been in good form with the bat, scoring a century in the recent County Championship match for Durham. However, his injury concerns have been a recurring issue. The ECB's medical team is monitoring his progress closely.
