Ben Stokes to prefer transformational leadership style as England's new breed enter the unknown: "Let's just do it with a smile"

NICK HOWSON: Eoin Morgan's replacement will not be leading with an iron fist and is urging his largely untested squad to enjoy themselves against Pakistan

England v Pakistan ODIs: All you need to know

Ben Stokes leads brand-new England ODI squad, featuring raft of uncapped players

England's stand-in white-ball captain Ben Stokes hopes a carefree leadership style can bring the best out of his largely untested squad during the Pakistan one-day international series.

Stokes leads an 18-strong group with six uncapped players and others with just a handful of international appearances into three matches while the first-choice players and management isolate following a Covid-19 outbreak.

All players have passed PCR tests upon their arrival in Cardiff and are available from the outset.

Brydon Carse, Phil Salt, David Payne, John Simpson, Tom Helm and Will Jacks are all fighting it out to pull on an England shirt for the first time at Sophia Gardens, Lord's and Edgbaston before the senior players are free to return for the T20s.

Having been rewarded for their county displays, Stokes is hopeful those selected can carry that form into the clashes against a Pakistan side boasting Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Shadab Khan and Mohammad Rizwan.

^{Phil Salt is among the six players battling for a debut}

"One thing that I've told myself and to make sure I tell the team is that though this has been a quick turnaround in events in terms of having to pick a new squad is that no matter what name is on the back of the shirt we are walking out as the No.1 team," said Stokes of the world champions.

"And that is an exciting thing to be a part of, whether you're an experienced player, young player or someone coming into the group for the first time. 

"Situations like these are so rare and such a fluster. 

"You've got an opportunity to represent your country, let's just all do it with a smile on your face and we enjoy it as much as we possibly can as a group."

He added: "It is a lot easier to tell someone to relax than them actually going out and doing that. 

"That's what the senior guys, the management will have a role to play to make sure everyone is relaxed as they possibly can be.

^{Babar Azam's side sit sixth in the ICC ODI rankings}

"Seise the opportunity that you've got, go out and perform, don't change anything that you'd normally do because what you normally do is what has go you here in the first place."

The opening ODI in Cardiff will be just the second time Stokes has led England, having taken charge of the first Test against West Indies last summer when Joe Root attended the birth of his second child.

"Looking forward to the challenge," he added. "It is obviously some huge boots to fill with how well Eoin has led the team over the last four-five years. 

"I am not going to put any pressure on myself or the guys who will be playing. It is exceptional circumstances and we'll just get through it how we do. I want to make sure everyone has a good time.

"I'm looking forward to leading out the next group of exciting cricketers who no doubt will be in an England shirt in the future."