Ben Stokes pens down his support for Joe Root

In his Daily Mirror column, Ben Stokes penned down his well wishes for former captain Joe Root. He stated that he offered nothing but love, respect and support to the former captain in an emotional phone call with him last week.

Stokes stated that he had deep gratitude for his friend and teammate and does realise that he is a strong contender for the newly vacant England test skipper position. Even though he has expressed no ambition in the past to succeed Joe Root, he acknowledges that his name will be 'strongly talked about' for the position.

The star all-rounder stated that Root had shown immense support during his 6-month break from cricket, where he prioritised his mental well being. 

Stokes also recalled the Bristol incident in his column. Where he was arrested and kept in prison overnight for causing bodily harm. Ben was released with no charges but injured his hand in a physical confrontation. As a result, he was suspended from the matches ahead.

"And going back a few years now to the Bristol incident, that was where my captain really went to bat for me. That is where my total loyalty towards Joe comes from, and he will always have it because he has never been anything but a good man towards me and the rest of his players." Stokes wrote about Root's support during the controversial incident. 

Stokes also recalled the moment when Root called him on his phone to personally deliver the news of his resignation. He stated that he had no idea what to expect when Root's name flashed on his phone screen. He further added that though it was a short chat, it was extremely emotional.

"They were an emotional few minutes and in return, there was nothing but love, respect and support from me because that is what Joe Root has shown me throughout his time as England Test captain."

Now that Root has stepped down, Stokes expects him to continue his brilliance with the bat. Despite being unsuccessful in the past few seasons, Root has managed to keep scoring and maintained a spectacular form. Root had a historical season where he became the 4th player ever to cross the 1600 run milestone in test cricket. 

Stokes said that he is aware that his name is being brought up as the next possible red ball captain and will soon have a conversation with the newly appointed Director of Cricket, Rob Key.

Current England T20 and ODI captain Eoin Morgan has expressed his support for Ben Stokes and said that he is the obvious choice and will do the job well.

Morgan was also speculated to also take over the Test captaincy but downright declined the allegations. He stated that he is only focused on World Cups and will be no good at test cricket.