England Test captain Ben Stokes believes the quality of international cricket is affected by fixtures.

Stokes retired from one-day internationals this summer, saying he was “unstable” playing all three formats.

Spoke on today’s show BBC Radio FourStokes, who played a key role in England’s 1950s World Cup triumph in 2019, said: “It’s really had an impact on multi-format players and people who want to play in all three formats.

“You want international cricket to be of the highest standard whenever you can, but I think over the last few years you’ve seen different teams picked, different players come in, come out and rest.

“I don’t think international cricket should be like this. I don’t think he pays much attention to planning and things like that.”

Since Stokes took over as captain and Brendon McCullum as head coach, England have played five Test series in 2022, winning the last three – with nine wins in the last 10 Tests.

Their commitment to attacking cricket has revitalized the team and Stokes is pleased with the renewed enthusiasm he has created for the form.

“Over the last few years we’ve seen Test cricket talked about in a way that I don’t like, losing its focus on fans and everyone else with all the new T20 formats and franchises around the world,” said Stokes. .

“We understand that there are many opportunities for individuals away from Test cricket, but for me Test cricket is very important to the game and always will be. I really enjoy playing Test cricket.

“I feel like we can do something different. I think a good place to start is to consider everything from team focus and mentality to results and everything.

“If people come and are really excited about cricket day, they’ll come and see, I think you’ve won.

“We know we have a very good opportunity here to do something bigger than ourselves, and we have a group of players who understand that.”

Stokes took ‘great pride’ from the mental break

Stokes’ impressive year as Test captain in 2022 comes after he took a six-month break from cricket last year to prioritize his finger injury and mental health.

“I really feel like I need to rest and I need help to get back to where I was today and to get back on the pitch after the break,” Stokes said.

“I never really had a problem coming out and expressing how I felt and being open about it because in my documentary I talk a lot about my break and how I felt, and the measures that I took. It takes me back in time. at a certain place.

“I can’t express how proud I am to do this and some of the messages I’ve received from people who have never met me. But that’s why I take it seriously. It makes me proud and puts me in the public eye, and it really helps a lot of people.

“I mostly feel like a man, because that’s where the stigma is, the more men can do it, the better, because if you do it, you’re going to help a lot of people around the world. The same goes for you.