This is a real privilege, and I’m excited about getting started this summer - Ben Stokes
A new era of English Test cricket is upon us and what a summer we have ahead, as the action gets underway at Lord’s in just a couple of weeks.
Much has changed at the ECB since England’s last Test Match in the West Indies, and whilst England’s most prolific bowlers James Anderson and Stuart Broad are back in the fray, England cricket have made three exciting new appointments – a new Test captain, a new coach, and a new managing director.
England talisman Ben Stokes has taken over the captaincy from Joe Root and whilst comparisons have been drawn with fellow all-rounders Ian Botham and Andrew Flintoff who struggled with captaincy, Stokes was the outstanding candidate for the role and given his attacking, forward-thinking attitude towards the game, many are tipping Stokes to take English Test cricket to the next level.
Stokes’ relationship with England’s new Test coach will also be imperative and in New Zealand legend Brendon McCullum, England have a new coach that played over 100 Test Matches, scored over 6,000 Test runs with a high score of 302 and as captain of the Black Caps presided over one of the most successful periods ever in Kiwi cricket. Known for his progressive brand of cricket, McCullum is a true legend of modern cricket and his partnership with Stokes has the potential to take England Test cricket back to the top.
To complete this trifecta of new appointments, former England and Kent batsmen Rob Key has put down his SkySports commentary microphone and taken up the role as Managing Director. An innovator in his own right, Key is one of the most respected minds in English cricket and combining his talents with those of Stokes and McCullum could produce the results England fans are craving for.
With Test Matches taking place against New Zealand, India, and South Africa this summer at venues like Lord’s, Edgbaston and The Kia Oval, there is plenty of international cricket to get stuck into and we hope to welcome you to The Green Room for the final Test of the summer as England take on South Africa at The Kia Oval.
