Senior speedster James Anderson has retained the England vice-captaincy ahead of Ben Stokes for the two Test series against New Zealand, it was confirmed on Tuesday (March 13). Stokes had been appointed as vice-captain at the start of last year but Anderson filled the role during the recent Ashes series defeat with Stokes unavailable.
England all-rounder batsmen Ben Stokes has now returned to England duty after an alleged incident outside a Bristol nightclub in September which caused him to miss the trip to Australia but it has been decided not to burden him with the extra leadership responsibility at present. Last week, Head Coach Trevor Bayliss praised Anderson's impact in the Ashes and so it makes sense that he continues the job for the Tests in Auckland and Christchurch.
It remains to be seen whether Stokes regains the role of vice-captain at some point in the future although that is unlikely to happen until at least the end of his impending court case. That will begin on August 6 and is expected to last between five and seven days which means Stokes will miss the second Test against India at Lord's. Once that is over, a long-term decision can then be taken.
"I'm delighted Joe has asked me to do it again for this series," Anderson also added. "It doesn't change my role in the team a huge amount. I see myself as a senior player and I'm there for people if they need advice. Certainly if Joe needs help on the field, I'm there for help Joe.”