(Cricket news) Ben Stokes has been named as the new Test captain of England. Joe Root left the role after 5 years of leading the team which was the beginning of the transition that England's red ball set up needs. A new coach is also set to be appointed very soon and Gary Kirsten is being mentioned as a strong candidate. Ben Stokes has a massive target ahead of him and the process is expected to be a long one.

Ben Stokes showed his commitment to the Test side by choosing not to participate in the IPL. He clearly mentioned that he felt that the Test team would benefit by him playing county cricket rather than the IPL. Stokes will have to manage the workload of being an all-rounder along with the captaincy which will be a very big challenge. Having said that, Stokes has all the quality to do it at the highest level for years to come. At the age of 30 he is in his cricketing prime and at the peak of his powers. Having someone like Joe Root in the squad to help him out will be a massive benefit for him. If Gary Kirsten does become the coach then Stokes' job becomes much easier. Kirsten with all his experience will have a clear idea of what to do in any given situation.

Reports say that Stokes want's Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad back in the squad. The pair was dropped from the side for the West Indies tour despite bowling well in the Ashes. The decision will definitely be a controversial one and is likely to divide people. As long as the Durham all-rounder has a clear idea and blueprint of what he wants to do the move should benefit the team. The ECB will also have to play a role to make England a good Test team again with changes in selection policies and county tournaments.

Ben Stokes' first Test as captain will be against New Zealand. After the 3 match series against the Kiwis, England have the last Test against India which they need to win in order to draw the series. Coincidentally India will also have a different captain in Rohit Sharma after Virat Kohli stepped down earlier this year. These 4 Tests will be very crucial for Ben Stokes and England but not so much from the results point of view. Even if England lose all 4 Tests after playing some good cricket then there won't be too many complaints as they are clearly in a rebuilding process.

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