Ben Stokes calls on England to 'have a good time' in ODIs against Pakistan

England stand-in skipper Ben Stokes wants the younger and inexperienced members of the line-up to go out and enjoy themselves in the ODI series against Pakistan. Of course, the circumstances surrounding the series are anything but ideal. Three English players and four members of the backroom staff tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of the series. With 7 players ruled out and an entire squad in isolation, England scrambled to name a new squad. That being said, Stokes said the players should not be taking too much pressure.

“These are guys we haven’t seen in an England shirt but that’s because of how strong we have been,” said Stokes.

“I’m looking forward to leading out the next exciting cricketers coming through in England and who will no doubt be in an England shirt in the future. It just came quicker than we expected.

“I’m not going to put too much pressure on myself or the guys who will be playing. I just want to make sure everyone has a good time.”

How did Ben Stokes react to sudden call?

Stokes also spoke about how he was suddenly called in to be captain. He also revealed an amusing story about his wife joking with him.

“It was the last call I was expecting. It was short and sharp,” said Stokes. “Spoons (Silverwood) straight up asked me the question: ‘Can you come and do it?’ I was like: ‘Yeah’.

“After the call happened my wife sent me a screenshot of an article saying ‘England aren’t going to rush Ben Stokes back.’

“But it was like when I came back for Durham a bit early. My job needed me to do something, so I had to stand up and do that, and it’s the same with this.

“This is earlier than planned from a medical and fitness point of view but when a job comes and calls you, you need to stand up and make yourself available.”

The sudden change is enough to unnerve even the opposition. However, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam said they have put in enough research on the players.

“I know a few of them having played in T20 Blast and those we don’t know we have researched their performances,” said Azam.

“We have seen footage of their county matches and we can’t take any player playing for England lightly.”

The first ODI gets underway on Thursday (July 8).