Photo Credit: Facebook Photo of Ben Stokes
England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) managing director Rob Key has confirmed that Ben Stokes, England’s Test captain, is a potential candidate for the white-ball captaincy following Jos Buttler’s decision to step down from the role on February 28. Buttler, who succeeded Eoin Morgan as the white-ball captain in 2022, led England to a T20 World Cup victory in 2022 but has now vacated the role, leaving the ECB to seek his successor ahead of the 2025-26 season.
Rob Key, who represented England in 15 Tests, 5 ODIs, and one T20I during his international career, recently hinted at Stokes’ interest in taking up the white-ball captaincy. Stokes, who played a pivotal role in England’s triumphs at both the 2019 ODI World Cup and the 2022 T20 World Cup, is now being considered for the top role in England’s limited-overs teams.
In an interview on BBC Radio 5 Live, Key explained that he had recently broached the subject with Stokes, stating, “I haven’t really spoken to him (Stokes) about it (white-ball captaincy), to be honest. I (just) sort of said to him the other day, (after) when I did the round table (interview) with the written journalists, and said (to Stokes), ‘Oh, by the way, I have just said you are in consideration for the white-ball gig.’” Key added, “And he sort of then puts the thumbs-up emoji and stuff like that, as if to say, ‘OK’—not that I have offered him that, but they are the sort of conversations that we have.”
However, Key also emphasized that there are other strong candidates for the position, including Harry Brook. Brook, who captained England’s white-ball side during their home series against Australia in September 2024, was also named as Buttler’s deputy for the Champions Trophy 2025. Key acknowledged that a decision on the white-ball captaincy would take time, stating, “I am going to think pretty hard, along with a few other people, over the next few weeks and try and work out what we think the best thing is.”
While Stokes’ leadership potential is evident, Key expressed some concerns regarding Stokes’ long-term availability for 50-over cricket, especially considering his ongoing recovery. “I do think it’s interesting with Stokes and whether 50-over cricket is for him, but then he is out in Abu Dhabi at the moment, getting himself back fit, and there is obviously a risk with doing that,” Key said. He added, “So there are a few things to try and decide, but I also don’t think it’s one to rush, really.”
Key’s comments suggest that while Stokes remains a key contender for the white-ball captaincy, the ECB will take its time in making a final decision, considering all options carefully as they look ahead to the 2025-26 season.
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
