England national cricket team Test captain Ben Stokes has signed a new central contract with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). According to ESPNCricinfo reports, the all-rounder is known to have signed the deal till the 2025-26 Ashes tour.

The England and Wales Cricket Board has not announced the new list of central contracts because most players are already tied to multi-year deals. Ben Stokes, however, did not sign any deal in hopes of increasing his value. But his new contract will now run until September 2026, including next year’s Ashes tour.

Stokes signing a new deal with the ECB is a major breakthrough given the demand and value the all-rounder commands in the T20 leagues. The England national cricket team is aware of what the all-rounder brings to the table as a player and leader, especially when he is turning the tables on the Test team.

Therefore, for the ECB to offer him a lucrative deal despite being injury prone shows that the team is desperate to have him. The all-rounder has had a great injury history but has still given his best for the team. The Test captain, however, declined to specify the duration of his new contract on Saturday, but it is expected to be for two months.

Ben Stokes to miss first Test against Pakistan

Stokes, who ruptured his hamstring in August while playing for the Hundred, will miss the first Test of the three-match Test series against the Pakistan national cricket team. The all-rounder is not yet in full fitness for the match to be played at the Multan Cricket Stadium in Multan on Monday (October 7).

England have also announced the eleven that will play for the first Test and Ollie Pope will lead the team. In the absence of Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes will play and it will be the first time in two and a half years that he will play an overseas test for the national team.

Under the leadership of Ben Stokes, England National Cricket whitewashed Pakistan National Cricket Team during the last tour. Therefore, he puts pressure on Ollie Pope as if he is capable of matching Stokes’ proactivity in changing the pace of games.

I have no doubts about the bowlers we have chosen – Ben Stokes

Ahead of the first Test, Stokes expressed his confidence in the team’s bowlers and said he has no doubts about the players they have chosen. He said it would be a great learning experience for young players to see how difficult Test cricket can be. Speaking to reporters, he explained:

“I have no doubts about the players we have picked. We know they will be able to withstand it. We know it will be difficult, but it will be a great first-time exposure for them… It will show. “Give them how difficult Test cricket can be.”

Brendon and I will encourage Ollie to influence the game himself – Ben Stokes confident Pope will do well

Ben Stokes further stated that during the last tour, he was trying to force a result and push the game forward. He said he, along with head coach Brendon McCullum, will encourage Ollie Pope to lead the game and succeed as captain. He added:

“[In 2022]it was about trying to move the game forward because of the conditions we were facing. “We always try to do something to force a result, even if it means giving Pakistan a chance to win the game… Me and I will encourage Ollie to influence the game himself and make sure that reflects in his captaincy.”

Stokes is likely to get fit for the second Test, which will be played in Rawalpindi.