The veteran all-rounder, Ben Stokes asserted that he has his own way of leading England in the first Test against the West Indies following advice from regular skipper Joe Root. The latter will be missing the opening match of the bio-secure series as he is on teh parental leave. In his absence, Vice-captain Stokes will be leading the squad and he was asked by reporters on Tuesday what was the best advice he had received about his new role.

Stokes asserted, “The best message that I have received was when I got my photos done yesterday (Monday) in the blazer. Rooty just left a message on the hanger which said ‘Do it your way’. Just because Joe is not here doesn’t mean I am not going to use him.”

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He further added, “I haven’t been on him too much but I am sure when the Test match starts, I know for a fact he will be at home watching and I know that his phone will always be available for me to get in contact with him if I need to.” 

The first Test will be commencing behind closed doors and it will be remarkable experience as with that game international cricket will be making a comeback after the coronavirus-enforced lockdown and Stokes said the precautions taken by England and the West Indies could serve as a model for other sports.

Describing the same, Stokes said, “There are obviously a lot of rules and regulations that have been put in place for this to happen. I feel as though a lot of respect has been shown from both sides to make sure this works. Because if you get one thing wrong, it might blow this whole ‘get sport back on to the radar of people’ further back.”

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England and the West Indies will be donning Black Lives Matter emblem on their jerseys in support of the campaign against racial injustice and Stokes said England team has also planned a further “gesture”.