Ben Stokes stripped of England vice captaincy as ECB confirm James Anderson will continue as Joe Root's deputy
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Loading... - Genevieve Francoise
- 13 Mar 2021
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James Anderson will continue in his role as England Test vice captain despite the return of Ben Stokes to the side in New Zealand.
Anderson was asked to step into the role in Australia in Stokes' absence while the police investigation into a late night incident in Bristol continued.
However even though Stokes is now clear to play Test cricket once more for England until his trial begins in August, Joe Root has decided to stick with 35-year-old Anderson for this two Test series.
“I see myself as a senior player and I'm there for people if they need advice,” said Anderson ahead of a pink ball warm up game. “Certainly if Joe needs help on the field, I'm there for him.
“I'm delighted Joe has asked me to do it again for this series, but it doesn't change my role in the team a huge amount.
“I know what my job is for the team – I've got to take wickets with that new ball, create pressure during the middle periods as well, try to take wickets (then), and help the other bowlers out as well.”
With Stokes set to miss at least the Lord's Test against India in the summer, there is every chance that Anderson will end up with the job for a while yet.
Even though he didn't have to formally captain the side during the Ashes, Anderson was pressed into some extra responsibility on the final day in Sydney when Root was suffering from a bug and couldn't attend the post match activities.
That illness showed just how quickly things could change and plunge Anderson into the hot seat, a position that England wouldn't want to put Stokes in ahead of his trial.
“It's an honour that he's asked me,” added Anderson. “But I'm not looking further than these two Test matches. I honestly don't mind (if it continues).
“I'll still be there as support for Joe if he needs it, whether I'm vice-captain or not.”
