Stokes keen for Anderson and Broad to make swift Test return
Anderson and Broad were controversially overlooked for England's tour of the Caribbean against West Indies earlier this year as selectors instead opted to provide greater opportunities to the next generation of seam bowlers.
A disappointing England fell to a 1-0 series defeat to West Indies during that series and star batter Joe Root stood down as skipper shortly after the team returned home with plenty of question marks surrounding the team’s future.
England have since confirmed Rob Key as the new managing director of their men's team and appointed Stokes as Test captain, with the short-term future of their two leading wicket takers now looking rosier ahead of a busy summer schedule.
🏴 England look to turn over a new leaf with the appointment of Ben Stokes as their new Test captain.
— ICC (@ICC) April 29, 2022
What sort of captain will the all-rounder be? 👉 https://t.co/J3hnbQ64j5#WTC23 pic.twitter.com/9AiX9ln0gn
Speaking for the first time since his appointment as captain on Tuesday, Stokes said he wants to bring a winning culture back to England and that he plans to have Anderson and Broad by his side this summer.
"I want to win games of cricket for England," Stokes told BBC Sport.
"The best way to do that is picking your best XI and in my opinion if Stuart Broad and James Anderson are fit they are available for selection."
Stokes indicated he would have a major say in deciding who would be appointed vice-captain of the Test side, but swiftly ruled out Root as an option to take up the key role as deputy.
Instead, he will allow Root to concentrate on his batting in a hope that the talented 31-year-old can add to his 25 Test centuries and his current rating of fourth on the MRF Tyres Men's ICC Test Batting Rankings.
[![Ben Stokes of England celebrates]()
Ben Stokes’ to-do list as England Test captain
England news
28 Apr 22](/news/2594042)
But just who else will make the cut for England's first Test of the summer against New Zealand that starts at Lord's on June 3 remains to be seen, with Stokes indicating he will favour 'selfless' players that want to win games of cricket for England.
"I want selfless cricketers who make decisions based on winning the game of cricket for England," Stokes added.
"At the end of the day the most important thing is winning. I want to be part of a team that has that real mentality, that doesn't take a backwards step."