Ben Stokes will captain England for the first time in next week's opening Test against the West Indies, with regular skipper Joe Root taking time out to attend the birth of his second child. Ben Stokes will captain England in place of Joe Root for the first Test against the West IndiesWicketkeeper Jos Buttler, who serves as vice-captain to Eoin Morgan in the limited-overs side and has also been Root's deputy in the past, will be Stokes' second-in-command. A statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board read: 'England Test captain Joe Root will leave the training camp at the Ageas Bowl on Wednesday afternoon to be with his wife, Carrie, who is expecting their second child later this week. 'He will join up with the England squad ahead of the second Test at Emirates Old Trafford on Monday 13 July. 'Durham all-rounder Ben Stokes, who has been Root's Test vice-captain since his appointment last July, will captain the side for the first time in Southampton.

Source: Daily Mail June 30, 2020 13:52 UTC