Cockermouth’s Ben Stokes will captain the England cricket side in their next match against Pakistan.
The all-rounder, who grew up in West Cumbria, has been called in to take charge of the new squad after three players and four of the management staff tested positive for COVID-19.
The members will have to self-isolate but the England Cricket Board has confirmed that the ODI and T20I series against Pakistan will go ahead.
Stokes is currently playing for Durham against Warwickshire in the County Championship, has been called in to captain the new squad that will take the field against Pakistan.
Chris Silverwood, who had been due to take some time away during the series, will return as head coach.
Managing director of England Men’s Cricket, Ashley Giles, said: “We’re in unprecedented territory, in terms of replacing an entire squad and management team, and I’m very proud of how everyone has come together in order to get it done – both those within the ECB and from the county game.
“Ben hasn’t captained our ODI side before so it’s a huge honour for him. We all wish him well and it’s a role I’m sure he’ll thrive in.”
