'Didn’t even give it a second thought' - Ben Stokes on dream of becoming England captain

England Test captain Ben Stokes visited his childhood cricket club in Cockermouth, the place where he moved to when he was 12 from New Zealand. When asked if he had dreamt of becoming the skipper of the national team, he said that he had not even given it a second thought. He was appointed as the captain of the team before the start of the ongoing series against New Zealand.

Stokes added that he was probably just thinking about what he would do the next day at that age. Speaking about Cockermouth Cricket Club, he said that he always enjoyed going there, and he also spoke about the effect the club has had on him and his career. “No. I didn’t even give it (becoming England captain) a second thought,” said Stokes, who was quoted as saying by BBC. “I was probably just thinking about what I’d be doing the next day at that age.”

Cricket has always been one of the most accessible sports: Ben Stokes

“I always enjoy coming back here. I’ve been very public about the effect Cockermouth Cricket Club had had on my career,” said the England Test captain. “I think cricket has always been one of the most accessible sports for fans to get hold of the people they see on their TV screens. As players, we’ve got a greater responsibility than just being out there and playing the game.”

Former Cockermouth player Gareth White spoke about Stokes’s association with the club and his influence on the youngsters. He said that Stokes has played a huge part in drawing junior sections to the club for many years. He added that his mere presence on the world stages has given inspiration to children and has also had a big influence on them.

“We’ve got a thriving junior section and have had for many years,” said White. “Ben plays a large part in that even though he’s not in the local area now. His presence on the world stage is a massive inspiration and influence to all the children.”

Stokes will be back to play for England next for the third Test match against New Zealand on June 23 in Headingley Cricket Ground, Leeds.