English all-rounder Ben Stokes was so desperate to be a part of the leadership group again, reveals Ashley Giles. It is worth noting that he was taken off from the position of the vice-captain after a brawl at Bristol. Stokes was in and out of the team as he attended several hearings during the phase.

However, ahead of the Ashes, he was reinstated to the position. In the latest interview with the BBC”s Sportsweek Radio, Giles said that he pleaded a lot to the ECB and officials to get the position back.

“It was actually Ben Stokes who was badgering away as well about having the vice-captaincy back because this means so much to him. Not just the vice-captaincy, but the Ashes series, Test cricket and he believes that as the right-hand man he can deliver for him and he is demonstrating that pretty well at the moment“, said Giles.

The entire cricketing fraternity has been applauding Ben Stokes for driving his side to a phenomenal victory at Leeds. He hit a fantastic 135* and his aggressive approach in the longest format reaped rewards for the side.

The fourth test

The focus now shifts towards the fourth test which is all set to take place from September 4 at Manchester.

All eyes will be on the much-expected Archer-Smith battle which turned out to be a show-stealer at The Lord”s. A lot of discussions are in store from the English dressing room in this must-win battle. Sources suggest that the team is set to swap the positions of Joe Denly and Joe Root.

The Kangaroos will be looking forward to including Starc to bring fire to the pace attack. Additionally, It has been reported that the side is eager to try out Mitchell Marsh in the place of Matthew Wade.

The series is now at 1-1 and whom are you backing this game?