Joe Root feels absence of Ben Stokes is an opportunity for youngsters to step in

England Test captain Joe Root has said that the absence of all-rounder Ben Stokes is a blessing in disguise for the youngsters in the side, as they have the opportunity to cement their slot in the side by performing in arguably the biggest bilateral Test series of all time. Stokes will not fly with the England Ashes squad as the verdict on him is yet to be announced.

The police case is still open and internal disciplinary procedures are on hold for now. There were reports of him losing out on the Test vice-captaincy but Root hasn’t named his deputy for the upcoming series and therefore the designation is likely to stay with the all-rounder. Former skipper Alastair Cook might call the shots if Root leaves the field for any reason.

“I think we’ve got to plan as if he’s not going to be there for the whole series,” Espncricinfo quoted the 26-year-old as saying.

Ben Stokes offers a lot to the team: Root

“Ben offers a lot to the team but, as I said, it’s an opportunity for other guys to stand up. In difficult situations, a lot of the time, people do surprise themselves and surprise you and are capable of more than what they might even think themselves,” Root added.

The captain also said that the series which will be starting on November 23 in Brisbane will help his side grow as a unit. “This is one of those occasions when you might just see that and there’s also some guys that have been given another opportunity, who will be desperate to take that. As a side I look at where we are and how we’ve grown as a team and think that this is a great opportunity for us to keep developing and move forward again,” Root said.