Will Ben Stokes become England's ODI captain? Rob Key opines
What's the story
Ben Stokes, the current Test captain of England, is being eyed as a potential replacement for Jos Buttler as the team's 50-over skipper.
Rob Key, the Managing Director of the men's cricket team, said it would be "stupid" not to consider Stokes for the role.
This comes after Buttler stepped down after a disappointing Champions Trophy campaign where his team lost all three group matches.
Here's more.
Comeback
Stokes's absence from ODI cricket and recovery
Notably, Stokes hasn't played ODI cricket since the 2023 World Cup where he reversed his decision to retire from 50-over cricket.
He was initially open for a return for the Champions Trophy, but a second hamstring tear during the third Test against New Zealand late last year ruled him out.
Currently, Stokes is recovering in Abu Dhabi with an England Lions training group and is expected to be fit for the summer season with Durham.
Praise
Key praises Stokes's leadership qualities
Key lauded Stokes's leadership qualities, saying he is "an unbelievably good tactician...a leader of men," as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
Key stressed the need for such qualities in leadership and noted Stokes's ability to inspire players under pressure.
He added, "Ben's, as we know, an outstanding player... It's more about what would that then mean to him? What would that then mean to his workload?"
"Ben Stokes is one of the best captains I've ever seen," Key further lauded Stokes.
Synergy
Stokes's relationship with Brendon McCullum strengthens candidacy
Notably, Stokes shares a strong pre-existing relationship with Brendon McCullum, who is currently at the helm of England across formats.
This further bolsters the chances of Stokes being handed the ODI captaincy.
Key sees a synergy between Tests and ODIs that would allow Stokes to succeed in the latter, stating "I believe that Test cricket and 50-over cricket are probably closer than T20s, which is the outlier now. So then that makes different things."
Schedule
Stokes's schedule and Harry Brook's potential captaincy
The biggest challenge for Stokes, as he has said before, is his schedule.
England's series against India and Australia are crucial for Stokes's captaincy.
If he accepts the ODI role, it would be around the time of the series against West Indies, South Africa, Ireland, and New Zealand.
Key also sees potential in Harry Brook stepping up to a leadership role after leading against Australia last summer.
"I think Harry Brook would be an outstanding captain, actually," stated Key.
Numbers
A look at Stokes' ODI numbers
As mentioned, Stokes ahs not featured in an ODI since England's early exit from the 2023 World Cup.
Meanwhile, across 114 ODIs, he has amassed 3,463 runs at an average of 41.22. In 99 innings, he boasts a strike rate of 95.68 alongside five centuries and 24 fifties.
His highest ODI score is 182 (vs New Zealand).
According to ESPNcricinfo, 2,002 of his runs have come in away matches at 45.40.