Former England fast bowler Steve Harmison has heaped praise on current Test skipper Ben Stokes, calling him the best captain the country has ever had.
Harmison: What Stokes has done for English Test cricket should be praised
Speaking to Betway ahead of the first Test between England and India at Headingley, Harmison was effusive in his praise for Stokes: “I think he’s done an unbelievable job. He is the best captain we’ve ever had.
“I say that having sat with Michael Vaughan for a couple of days. I believe he [Stokes] is the best captain England have ever had. Forget the results, what he has done for English Test cricket should be praised.”
Having led England once in 2020, the Durham all-rounder was made permanent Test captain in 2022, coinciding with the appointment of Brendon McCullum as red-ball head coach. In 32 matches under Stokes since then, England have won 20 and lost 11 as he closes in on Joe Root's England record of 27 wins as Test captain.
Most wins as England Test captain
| Name | Matches | Won | Lost | Drawn |
| Joe Root | 64 | 27 | 26 | 11 |
| Michael Vaughan | 51 | 26 | 11 | 14 |
| Alastair Cook | 59 | 24 | 22 | 13 |
| Andrew Strauss | 50 | 24 | 11 | 15 |
| Peter May | 41 | 20 | 10 | 11 |
| Ben Stokes | 34 | 20 | 12 | 1 |
‘If Test cricket goes in England, then it's dead around the world’
“Test cricket was dying before Ben Stokes,” Harmison added, to underline his impact on the world game. “I might be slightly biased because of my relationship with him, but what he’s done for Test match cricket in this country is huge.”
“If Test cricket goes in this country, then it’s dead around the world. Just like it would be if it happened in India or Australia. It is so important that Test cricket survives, and those three countries are the ones who need it keep it alive. The way [Virat] Kohli spoke about Test cricket when he was captain, it was alive.”
Harmison was also asked about England's chances in the away Ashes series coming up this December. “If everyone is on form and fit, then I think England have a great chance,” he said.
“They’ll be difficult on home soil, but if we’ve got a fit Wood, a fit Archer, fit Carse, and fit Tongue, that’s four bowlers with a lot of aggression. They can hit the pitch hard and make the ball go through the air quickly on Australian surfaces. Throw Atkinson in the mix, Woakes as well I wouldn’t rule out, and [Sam] Cook from what he’s done with the Lions and how effective he was.”
“England could surprise a few, though, if they can get every bowler fit, but it’s a big if.”
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