Ben Stokes has hailed his England side for "doing something different" in Test cricket after what turned into a stellar year for the all-rounder.
Alongside coach Brendan McCullum, Stokes took over a team seemingly in turmoil, having followed a harrowing 4-0 Ashes loss down under with a series defeat in the West Indies. Having adopted their now famous 'Bazball' style though, England's red ball players have been transformed, winning nine of their last 10 Tests.
That included series victories over South Africa and New Zealand, and a history making whitewash in Pakistan. And now Stokes, who also inspired his country to a T20 World Cup win in November, has explained what inspired the turnaround.
"Test cricket has been spoken about in a way I don't like," he said, during a conversation with Ian Botham on BBC Radio 4's Today programme. "It is losing the attention of the fans with all the new formats and franchise competitions. We understand there are so many opportunities for players away from Test cricket. But for me it is so important for the game. I love playing Test cricket and felt we could do something different."
Stokes explained how he and McCullum have put less emphasis on results with the players, and performing with a style that engages fans: "If people turn up excited about what they are going to watch you've already won before a ball has been bowled," he continued.
Stokes, 31, has certainly been one to practice what he preaches. His declaration in the first Test in Pakistan represented a huge gamble as he risked losing a game that was seemingly petering out for a draw, whilst he has notably upped his aggression at the crease.
“One thing that I think I've always been very mindful of, you know, is never expect anybody else to do something that I wouldn't,” he said. “I feel as if the ambition of winning is greater than the fear of losing, then you're always going to be okay.”
The star retired from ODI cricket this year in order to allow him to focus on the Test and T20 formats. And it's 2023 that will ultimately define his captaincy, as England look to win an Ashes series for the first time since 2015.
And he was coy on how long he envisaged being in charge, saying: "I don’t think you can put a time on that. We know that we've got a really special opportunity here to do something bigger than ourselves and we've got the group of players who understand that as well."
