London 13th September : England men’s managing director Rob Key has lavished rich praise on Test captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum for transforming the fortunes of the nation’s Test team in this year’s home season, saying the two have the “bit of magic”.After just one victory in the last 17 games, Joe Root and Chris Silverwood quit as coach and captain respectively.
Key succeeds Ashley Giles as England Men’s managing director, later brought McCullum and Stokes to join as captain and head coach respectively.
With the duo, England are able to win six of seven games in this season’s home summer.
The series began with the sweep of 3-0 of World Test Champions New Zealand followed by an unbeatable chase of 378 to beat India by seven wickets.They returned from a deficit to beat the Proteas with a 2-1 victory.
“When you’re going through life you don’t want anyone telling you what you should or shouldn’t accomplish every single moment of every day.There’s no real answer to it.Every one of the wonderful people you listen to don’t say “beware of this don’t play out there’, or ‘don’t do this’.”
“If you’re likely to be influenced by people you want them to prove to you that they are able to achieve something you’re not capable of.That’s exactly what Stokes and Brendon do in in particular -They give you confidence.You need that glimmer of inspiration, that little bit of magic and these two have it.” stated Key to Sky Sports after the third Test was completed at The Oval.
Key further shed light on the fact that Stokes was on an entirely different level as leader.”All you were thinkingwas “how do you get most effective out of talented people? Who are the most effective people to make the most of Jonny Bairstow”? People like that, have seen the play and think is amazing this young man.”
“We’re all of the same mind however Stokes is at a different level.He is so inspiring.Another thing to not be overlooked is how intelligent he is.He hasn’t wasted a word, and there always is a rationale behind what he does and the things he says and the way he states it.”
“Whatever kind of cricketer you’re there’s something in it for you.It’s about maximizing each player and allow them to play to their full potential and they’ve succeeded extremely well.”
Key admitted that he was astonished by the improvement in England’s Test performance since he assumed the man’s managerial director’s job.”When I took this position on, I believed that everything happening this year would be a good thing.We wanted to test and win two or three of games to see what happens from there.What Stokes and McCullum and the other players have accomplished – as well as all of the staff and coaches that have gotten on the bandwagon with it is an incredible job.”
“My belief was that we needed to change the mindset of our cricket.I set out to search for individuals who could accomplish this and they’ve done better than I thought anyone could, to honestly.”
“They did it by being themselves doing what they believe and believe.They have brought everybody with them.I love the fact that everybody has loved watching cricket in the Test format.It’s been fantastic.”
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