Chris Gayle feels Stokes is the best choice to be Test captain of England

LONDON: Swashbuckling West Indies batter Chris Gayle feels that England have made the right choice in making all-rounder Ben Stokes as the Test captain.

At the same time, Gayle has hoped that Stokes will get the required support from his predecessor Joe Root and others to lift England's fortunes in Test cricket.

On April 28, Stokes was appointed as the 81st Test captain of England after Root stepped down from the top job. His first assignment as the Test skipper of England will be a three-match home Test series against current World Test Championship winners New Zealand in June.

"I think it's the best choice to have a guy like Ben Stokes, he's been around world class players and is a proper all-rounder. I think he's the best choice to captain the England side. It was tough for Joe Root to step down, but I'm sure he will get the full support from Root and the rest of the players."

"He's a guy, based on what he has said, who is more focused on England cricket right now, which is good. He's looking to accomplish more in the sport, within the international side of things," said Gayle to TalkSport radio.

Gayle, who captained West Indies in 20 Tests from 2007 to 2010, thinks that captaincy helped him grow as an individual and won't affect the personal form of players. IANS

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