English cricket is once again in a state of disarray, following three consecutive failures in ICC tournaments, starting with the 2023 ODI World Cup. This situation has prompted Jos Buttler to resign as the captain of the white-ball team after a disappointing Champions Trophy performance in Pakistan earlier this year. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is now actively seeking candidates to succeed him.

Ben Stokes, the current captain of the England Test team, has been suggested as a possible leader for the ODI squad. However, former England captain Michael Vaughan has voiced his opposition to the idea of burdening Stokes with additional responsibilities.

"It is utterly absurd to think that Ben Stokes will continue playing white-ball cricket," Vaughan stated during the BBC Test Match Special’s Cowdrey Lecture at Lord’s.

"He gives his all, not only when representing England but also during training. He is an all-or-nothing player," Vaughan elaborated regarding Stokes. "In a sense, it seems quite selfish to even consider him for this role, as he would likely agree, being Ben Stokes. He is willing to do whatever is asked of him by England. Just let him be."

Stokes assumed leadership of the Test team under the guidance of coach Brendon McCullum and has been instrumental in the ‘Bazball’ transformation. However, due to ongoing fitness issues and recurring injuries, he has increasingly distanced himself from white-ball cricket, concentrating instead on the longer format of the game.

Vaughan places focus on long-term Test success

Vaughan emphasizes the importance of long-term success in Test cricket. Having not participated in the Champions Trophy and currently absent from the ongoing IPL, Vaughan believes that Stokes should be regarded as a player focused solely on Test matches for England in the foreseeable future.

"Allow him to grasp the Ashes urn," Vaughan stated. "This is not merely about the current series against India or the upcoming Ashes; I envision him leading the home Ashes in 2027 and guiding England to a World Test Championship final."

England has yet to reach a WTC final in its first three iterations, but this could serve as a tangible goal for the Test team as they embark on a new cycle, starting with a five-match home series against India this summer.

"Why impose the expectation for him to participate in white-ball cricket? It’s not about adding pressure, as he handles it better than anyone else, but rather allowing him to take care of his body and focus on playing Test cricket for as long as possible," Vaughan concluded, reiterating that Stokes’ most significant contribution to English cricket lies in his Test performances alone.

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