Former England captain Michael Vaughan has strongly opposed the idea of appointing Ben Stokes as the captain of England’s white-ball teams, calling it “selfish” and “absolute nonsense.” Vaughan’s comments come amid growing speculation about Stokes possibly taking on a leadership role in limited-overs cricket alongside his existing responsibility as England’s Test captain.

Michael Vaughan explains why Ben Stokes should not be given captaincy

While Vaughan acknowledged Stokes’ relentless commitment to England cricket, he argued that this is precisely why the all-rounder should not be burdened with additional leadership duties. Speaking to BBC, Vaughan explained that Stokes gives his absolute best, not just in matches but also during training, which makes it unfair to expect him to take on more responsibility.

“He gives absolutely everything, not just when he’s playing for England but when he’s training. He is all or nothing. In a way, I think it’s quite selfish to even consider him, because he will say yes, because he is Ben Stokes. He will do whatever England ask him to do. Just don’t ask him, just let him be,” explained Vaughan.

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Balancing Stokes’ workload for longevity

Since taking over as England’s Test captain in 2022, Stokes has transformed the team with his aggressive and inspirational leadership. However, his history of injuries and workload management have often been points of discussion.

While Stokes has played a crucial role in England’s white-ball success, including their 2019 ODI World Cup triumph, Vaughan believes that the priority should be preserving his longevity rather than adding extra pressure. The former England skipper emphasized that forcing Stokes into a white-ball leadership role could lead to burnout, ultimately affecting his performances across formats.

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