'Ups and Downs of my career will help me as the captain' - Ben Stokes

Recently appointed England Test captain Ben Stokes hopes that the ups and downs of his career will help him be a successful captain. Stokes' appointment was highly anticipated after his predecessor Joe Root, abruptly announced his resignation.

Stokes certainly encountered some glorious moments, but unwelcome circumstances followed closely.

The most famous incident being when the all-rounder was arrested in Bristol for engaging in a physical fight. The incident resulted in him missing the Ashes series.

"I have made it very obvious that, back then, I did feel that it looked like my career was going to be over, but every experience I have gone through, I have learnt from,"

"I've been through a lot of goods and have been through a lot of downs, and I feel like I can relate to both sides of what this sporting life can throw at you." Said the captain, "There's a lot of things that I've gone through since I became a professional cricketer, and those experiences I feel are positive in this new role that I've got,"

The star all-rounder also struggled with mental health issues and took a 4-month long break to cope with his injury and mental struggles. After that, people raised concerns as to whether Stokes would be able to handle the pressures of being an all-rounder and a captain; to which he stated

"There is always a negative feeling around mental health, but I see it as a positive me being in this role having gone through what I went through last summer and even before that,"

"I have a huge amount of experience of what life and the game can throw at you,"

The cricket fraternity was also quick to draw comparisons between Ian Botham, Andrew Flintoff and Stokes. Previously, England all-rounders haven't been successful in their role as captains.

"I've had to deal with comparisons to Andrew Flintoff and Sir Ian Botham since I was 18 or 19. And I've always said I'm not trying to be either of them, and I'm just Ben Stokes," he said.

The all-rounder is usually referred to as the 'dressing room leader'. He has always presented himself to be approachable. Seniors and young players alike have laid their burdens on him in moments of struggle.

"I have always felt I was someone young players and senior players can speak to if they feel anything is getting on top of them or they weren't happy with anything. I hope that continues," 

"I hope that now because I'm England captain, I'm not seen as a different person to the people who I've played with. I feel as if I've always been someone who anybody can come and speak to." Expressed Stokes.

The brand-new captain will be leading an ailing team. Expectations stand at the peak for Stokes. He is set to start from scratch with indefinite support from the ECB and his peers. He will play alongside the former captain Joe Root, who has expressed that he will help the team in any way that he can.