New Zealander is impressive and his appointment as head coach may prove to be an inspired decision – but it is extraordinary, given that he has not done a lot of coaching
Having rolled the dice on an untested director of cricket in Rob Key, the England and Wales Cricket Board has kept gambling. Ben Stokes has had only one first-class game as captain but he is a very popular and highly regarded player and has already shown encouraging confidence in his leadership and his decision‑making.
He can be an excellent leader for the England Test team, but my instinct was that he would benefit from having an experienced coach beside him, someone who could make sure the weight of his job does not become too much of a burden and affect his performances. Instead, the dice have been rolled once again.
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