Stokes starts England Test captaincy by demanding Broad and Anderson return

Ben Stokes was hailed as the epitome of what England need to reverse their Test fortunes after being confirmed as the team’s new captain in Rob Key’s first public appearance as the director of men’s cricket.

Key, 10 days into the role and currently hunting for two new head coaches, called his decision to install Stokes as Joe Root’s successor “easy” and pledged that England, bottom of the World Test Championship after a winless winter, would get back to playing their strongest XI rather than overthinking selection.

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This means that, subject to form and fitness, Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad will be back in the fold. During recent talks with Key about his promotion, Stokes insisted the decision to omit the veteran pair from the recent 1-0 defeat in the Caribbean be reversed before the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s on 2 June.

Stokes is not due to speak until next Tuesday but described taking on the captaincy as a “privilege” in a statement; Key, injecting a much-needed dose of plain speaking into English cricket at his own unveiling, is convinced the all-rounder can thrive after canvassing a range of views from those who know him best.

“Ben epitomises everything our red-ball team needs,” said Key. “I just want him to go out and lead from the front. I always think that in leaders, one of the most important things – especially if you’re a great player, which, make no mistake, he is – is a lot of compassion and empathy. He has got that.

“He’s always talking about other people around him and what’s best for the side. He’s not someone with a massive ego who is thinking: ‘What’s best for Ben Stokes?’ He genuinely