Former England captain Michael Vaughan has strongly opposed the idea of making all-rounder Ben Stokes the country’s new ODI skipper, calling it “nonsense” and “selfish.”
With Jos Buttler stepping down as England’s white-ball captain in February, the ECB is yet to announce his replacement.
Reports suggest Harry Brook is the frontrunner for the T20I role, while both Brook and Stokes are under consideration for the 50-over job.
However, with the intense international schedule, leading in all three formats is virtually impossible for any player.
Stokes, who has been an influential leader in England’s Test resurgence under Brendon McCullum, is currently recovering from a second hamstring tear in six months.
Having retired from ODIs in 2022 to manage his workload, he made a comeback for the 2023 World Cup but has not played white-ball cricket since.
Michael Vaughan, speaking at the MCC’s Cowdrey Lecture at Lord’s, slammed the idea of handing over white-ball leadership to Stokes, given the all-rounder’s physical demands and Test captaincy responsibilities.
He stressed that while Stokes would never refuse the captaincy, the board must act responsibly and not put additional strain on him.
“In a way, I think it’s quite selfish to even consider him. He will say yes because he is Ben Stokes. He will do whatever England ask him to do. Just don’t ask him and let him be.,” Vaughan stated.
“He gives absolutely everything, not just when he’s playing for England but when he’s training. He is all or nothing. It’s an absolute nonsense to think that Ben Stokes is going to play white-ball cricket.”
With a crucial home Test series against India and an Ashes tour of Australia later this year, Vaughan believes England should be prioritizing Stokes’ longevity in red-ball cricket rather than burdening him with additional leadership roles.
“Let him get the Ashes urn in his hands. It’s not just about this India series or the Ashes series—I want to see him leading England in the 2027 home Ashes and pushing for a World Test Championship final,” he added.
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