(Reuters) – Ben Stokes would have no trouble stepping into the role of England captain if Joe Root were to miss the first test of their three-match series against West Indies, fast bowler Stuart Broad said yesterday.

England skipper Root has said he could miss the series opener, scheduled for July 8, if it clashes with the birth of his second child and Broad, 34, believes the side would still be in good hands, with vice-captain Stokes well-equipped to take the reins.

The toughest part of the job is off the field, lots of extra meetings and planning, which he won’t have to get involved in,” Broad told reporters in a virtual news conference.

“It will be a mental test… I’ve just got to make sure to train my brain not to get into a negative mindset,” Broad, who has claimed 485 test wickets, said.

Broad says it is important to educate people on matters of racial equality.