Ryan Campbell has backed Ben Stokes to remain England captain for the next Ashes series, insisting the all-rounder is still committed to leading the Test side. The Durham coach made the point after Stokes returned to County Championship action, according to The Times’ fresh report on his Durham comeback.
Stokes bowled 18 overs for Durham and took one wicket, a workload that matters because England are already looking towards the third Test against New Zealand and a longer leadership question beyond this summer. The 35-year-old has faced scrutiny after an off-field incident and England’s uneven Test week, but Campbell’s public message was clear: Stokes is not drifting away from the job.
Stokes Backing Gives England A Timely Ashes Signal
England’s captaincy picture has been noisy with Stokes absent from the second New Zealand Test and Joe Root standing in. Campbell’s intervention gives Brendon McCullum and the selectors a useful counterweight to the outside pressure, because it frames Stokes as a player still driven by the next Ashes rather than one edging towards the end.
The timing is important. England need clarity before the decider at Trent Bridge, and Stokes’ fitness, bowling load and authority will shape how they reset. Campbell’s backing does not settle every question, but it does underline that the county closest to Stokes still sees a captain with unfinished business.
