Stokes tipped for England vice captain role in Bangladesh

Ben Stokes is likely to act as vice captain for England’s one day international side on the tour to Bangladesh.

Stand-in skipper Jos Buttler hailed Stokes’ ‘real leadership qualities’ in revealing he expects the Durham allrounder to act as his deputy.

Buttler believes Stokes’ aggressive and committed approach will fit perfectly with England’s front-foot attitude to the white-ball game.

‘I think from the conversations I have had that Ben Stokes will probably be my vice captain,’ Buttler said.

‘He’s obviously a fantastic guy for the team. In the last 12 months you’ve seen real leadership qualities develop in him, and he’s obviously a fantastic cricketer in all facets.

‘He loves that responsibility and he’s someone I’d look to talk to and bounce ideas off.

‘He’s got a great cricket brain and when he speaks you listen; he’s one of those guys.’

Regular one-day skipper Eoin Morgan’s decision to miss the Bangladesh tour over security concerns opens a spot at number four in England’s one day batting line-up.

Buttler could yet fill that gap himself, but admitted he hopes a number of players will battle for the role, reports cricket.com.au

‘When we get there we’ll talk about all of that,’ Buttler said.

‘There’s some exciting guys coming in like Ben Duckett, and Sam Billings has been around for a long time as well.

‘Jonny (Bairstow) is in the squad as well so he’s possibly someone who can bat at four. And I could potentially play the same role or I could potentially move up.

‘We have to think about the balance of the side as well, if we want three spin options and how you fit those in.

‘That number four spot is going to be very important. Top-order runs are vital, vital to our success and we’ll have a bit more of a chat to Trevor (Bayliss, head coach) about that. It’s going to be a big spot with some guys who want to put their hands up for that role.’