Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
Ben Stokes has swiped away suggestions he could be tempted back to face Australia in next summer’s Ashes Test battles in England.
Twenty four hours after dropping the bombshell announcement that he was retiring from international cricket with almost immediate effect, he dismissed thoughts of any comeback, even against the Aussies.
He said: “I’m done. I’ve had a few questions asking whether I’ll be able to sit on my sofa watching next year. I know it’s the Ashes but I’ll probably be watching it in a hospitality box somewhere.”
Stokes does have form with treating retirements as temporary affairs, ending his ODI career only to return for the 2023 World Cup.
He also persuaded Moeen Ali to come back for one last Ashes assignment after he walked away from Test cricket. But he insists: “I am incredibly content with everything right now.”
Stokes quit on the fourth day of the third and decisive Test with New Zealand, who spoiled any hopes of a winning farewell by wrapping up the match, and the series, the following day.
Ben Stokes is backing Harry Brook to replace him as England’s Test captain, insisting it is a “natural progression” for his deputy.
“If I was to be asked who I think should do it, I would be throwing my 100 per cent support behind Harry Brook,” he said.
“You are asked to be vice-captain for a reason and I was vice-captain under Joe for a long time. It’s the natural progression. You don’t ask someone to be vice-captain if you don’t think he’s got the skills and ability to captain the team.”
Stokes offered a less effusive take when it came to head coach Brendon McCullum and managing director Rob Key, the other two power players of the ‘Bazball’ era that has now closed.
After seven defeats in the last nine Tests, and a rare home series defeat on their record, both men need to see an improvement in results and a reduction in off-field headlines.
Stokes said: “I’m done now, I don’t have to take those kind of decisions and be involved in all that stuff. One of the nice feelings of the situation I’m in now is that I don’t have to worry about that stuff.”
