The ECB is aiming to confirm the new central contracts before the series in Pakistan next month, in which Stokes, the Test captain, returns
Ben Stokes is set to give English cricket a major boost by signing a two-year central contract that secures his services through to the 2025-26 Ashes tour. The England Test captain sprung a surprise last yeardespite the England and Wales Cricket Board offering multiyear contracts for the first time, with Joe Root, Mark Wood and Harry Brook all committing themselves for three years, and Ollie Pope and Jofra Archer among those signing two-year deals.
Stokes’s commitment to England has never been in doubt but, given that 12 months ago he was preparing for knee surgery, he opted to keep his options open.
Stokes’s willingness to commit for a longer period is another significant fillip for the ECB after last week’s announcement that Brendon McCullum has signed a new contract as England’s Test and white-ball coach until the end of 2027.
Stokes’ new deal will not be for that long, but indicates his closeness to McCullum and desire to continue working with him. The pair have transformed England’s Test team, who have won 19 out of 29 matches under their stewardship having won just one of the previous 17. Stokes opted out of this year’s Indian Premier League and T20 World Cup to ensure he would be fit for this summer’s Test matches, the format that remains his priority.
Most of the eight players whose one-year deals are expiring will not be offered new ones, as James Anderson, Moeen Ali and Dawid Malan have retired, while Ben Foakes and Ollie Robinson are out of favour. Jack Leach and Reece Topley are likely to be offered new one-year deals.
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