Ben says the off-field issues that have occurred during his career will help him as England Test captain.
Last year he took a break to protect his mental health after he was found not guilty of affray after a fight outside a Bristol nightclub.
Those experiences are positive in my new role as an all-rounder.
I have been through a lot of good and bad and feel I can relate to both sides of what can sport and life throw at you.
In 2020 he took compassionate leave from England duty to spend time with his father, who had been diagnosed with brain cancer, and died later that year.
In July 2021, after he had resumed playing, he said he was taking an indefinite break and would return to action in December for the Aussies.
"I can relate to people whether that be good or bad, on the field or off the field, and my plans for the Test side and the vacant head coach and vice-captain positions."
I don't see anything I have gone through as a negative, if anything I see it as a way to help people.
After a run of one win in 17 Tests, England's Test team needed a new leader.
The suitability of the new England captain, who said he had never held ambitions to become captain, as his replacement was questioned because of an already heavy workload and the difficult tenures of two previous England all-rounder captains in Botham andFlintoff, was questioned by some.
Since I was 18 or 19 years old, I have had to deal with comparisons to Andrew and Sir Ian Botham.
I have always said that I am not trying to be Andrew or Ian Botham.
As a captain, he would lean on senior players for advice and he would need the right people around him to take pressure off his shoulders.
It would be foolish to think that my way is the only way and no one else has a voice or input.
A leader needs to make sure other people feel valued. I will use that and not think I can do everything.
James Anderson and Stuart Broad will be available for selection for the first Test against New Zealand in June after being left out of the recent tour of West Indies.
The best way to win games of cricket for England is to pick your best XI and if Stuart Broad and James Anderson are fit, they are available for selection.
He said he would be asked his opinion on the new Test coach, with England in the process of appointing a replacement for Chris Silverwood.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said that he would consider very hard who to appoint his vice-captain, but that he wouldn't name Root in the position.
The vice captain is an important role and can be seen as a token gesture.
You need to help your captain. I know how important it was for me to help Joe along that road.
Speaking about his plans for the team, he said: "I want selfish cricketers who make decisions based on winning the game of cricket for England."
At the end of the day, winning is the most important thing. I want to be a part of a team that doesn't take a backwards step.
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