When cricket improved England's national mood, in 1981, 2005 and now 2022
England lost to India in the Ashes series. The team played well, but the performance of captain Joe Root was disappointing. Stokes was offered the captaincy and he accepted. He is close to Root. He was the reason he was able to replace him as captain. It is to his credit that he speaks highly of him. England lost the series by 151 runs. They were outplayed by India. India won the match. This is the most fun Joe has ever played cricket. Before that it was not much fun. After his resignation, Stoke called Rob Key to ask if he could be captain and was given the job.
