Replacing Ben Stokes as England captain is impossible - only one man can do it

Replacing Ben Stokes as England captain is impossible - only one man can do it centers on the challenge England faces after Ben Stokes’ shock retirement from international cricket. Stokes, 35, ended his international career during the third Test against New Zealand, saying the tour of Australia in the Ashes took a toll and that, since returning home, he had been trying to “find the fight” to rebuild England’s Test side. Speaking to Sky Sports after day four at Trent Bridge, he described hitting emotional and off-field disappointment limits. The article argues there is no clear successor, though Harry Brook is the current Test vice-captain and one-day captain. However, Brook’s role is complicated by a November incident involving a New Zealand bouncer and an already packed calendar. It questions other candidates, including Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethell, and raises concerns around Jamie Smith’s wicketkeeping form. With limited alternatives, it says the England and Wales Cricket Board may look to Joe Root, referencing his prior captaincy from February 2017 and a record 27 Test wins in 64 matches.