Ben Stokes hopes Alastair Cook remains England's Test captain

English all-rounder Ben Stokes who has been a standout performer for England in an otherwise disappointing series backed his Test captain Alastair Cook and hoped that he stayed on as England’s captain. The temperamental Stokes took the opportunity to speak up for the man who has captained England ever since his debut but is in serious danger of losing the captaincy with England in a danger of losing the series 4-0 to India. Despite his poor showings in the recent past, Stokes wanted Cook to carry on with the captaincy.

Speculation surrounding Cook after captaining his side in a record 58 Tests has dogged the limelight on the tourists ever since he spoke openly on his future. He had said that he might return to the ranks one day and concentrate solely on his batting.

England had won the Test series in India in 2012 under Cook and ever since then, the Men in Blue has beaten each and every side comprehensively in home conditions and never looked like losing a single Test. Both the teams are currently in Chennai for the 5th and the Final Test starting on Friday but the prevalent conditions in the city due to ‘Cyclone Vardah’ suspended practise sessions for both the teams at the MCA. The groundstaff has given their best to make the pitch match-fit following Monday’s storm by rolling barbecue pans full of hot coals on stumps inches above the pitch.

Meanwhile, Stokes voiced his opinion and urged Cook to continue his four-year tenure. “I’ve played 31 Test matches, and he’s been the captain in every single one,” he told the BBC. He doesn’t want anything except success for the team. He wants to drive that forward. As a leader, I think he’s been brilliant – and I think he still will be.”

“Over the last two years, he’s been absolutely fantastic,” Stokes added. “He’s been part of the driving force of getting us to be the team we are today. Albeit we’re 3-0 down, we’ve made huge strides since Australia (in 2013/14). Whatever happens, I’ll have a lot of respect for him and whatever decision he makes – but I hope he sticks with what he’s doing, because I think he’s doing a great job.”