Last 3 Months The Hardest Period Of My Captaincy Journey: Ben Stokes
London: England Test captain Ben Stokes has reiterated his commitment to rebuilding the team with coach Brendon McCullum as he described the last three months, which included a difficult Ashes campaign, as the “most difficult period” of his leadership journey. After the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed that Stokes, McCullum and chief executive Rob Key would continue in their roles despite England’s 4-1 defeat in the Ashes, the 34-year-old shared an emotional open letter on social media. Media on Monday.
“Being England captain is the greatest honor that can be given to a player and I don’t take it lightly. There are good ones, there are bad ones, it makes you want to smile, it makes you want to cry,” Stokes said in a post on Instagram with a photo of himself, Key and McCullum.
“It completely consumes you and sometimes feels like the only thing in your life. The last 3 months have undoubtedly been the most difficult period of my captaincy journey; it has tested me in so many different ways and I’m sure other captains have experienced this too,” he wrote.
Emphasizing that lessons have been learned from the setbacks, Stokes stated that he is determined to rebuild the team together with McCullum and Key.
“Baz, Rob and I have the passion and desire to take this team forward, we will give you everything we have, we know we have made mistakes along the way and we have learned from those mistakes, you learn from failure more than success.”
England’s tour of Australia was marred by poor planning, substandard performances, selection errors and poor behavior from players off the field, including concerns about alcohol consumption.
Reflecting on personal compensation and motivation, Stokes added that he still has a lot to give as a leader.
“I’ve learned a lot about myself but the most important thing I want the fans to know is… I FG love cricket, FG I love this team, IF*****G I love being captain of England and I have so much more to give to that role and I’m delighted to be able to do it with Baz and Rob.”
Stokes, who has not played since the fifth Ashes Test in January this year, thanked fans for their support during a difficult period and promised to repay them for their faith.
Stokes said: “We all appreciate everyone who supports us. We do what we do for many reasons but one of those reasons is to bring a sense of happiness and pride to our supporters and fans and we will aim to do these as much as we can in the future. See you at the start of the Test Match summer in June.” he said.
England will begin their home season with the Test series against New Zealand on June 4.
