Neesham on Stokes: He’s not Bradman
‘‘It’s not like Don Bradman is walking out to bat for Canterbury.’’
That was Jimmy Neesham’s take on how Otago will deal with suspended English cricket star Ben Stokes, who makes his highly anticipated return at Rangiora’s Mainpower Oval tomorrow.
Christchurch-born Stokes will don Canterbury red-and-black in their Ford Trophy 50-over opener as he builds up his fitness and form ahead of a looming return to England’s Ashes squad.
It will be Stokes’ first match in 69 days, having been suspended from representing his country by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for his alleged part in a Bristol street brawl.
Unwanted Black Cap Neesham, who will be a key man with bat and ball for Otago, said they hadn’t placed too much extra focus on Stokes, the world’s premier allrounder.
There had been a brief chat at training about the best areas to bowl to him, but stressed they couldn’t solely worry about one cricketer.
‘‘He’s just another player at the end of the day. It’s not like Don Bradman is walking out to bat for Canterbury,’’ he said in reference to the great Australian, who averaged 99.94 in his 52 tests.
‘‘We’re not too concerned about what’s going in their camp.’’
The decision from Canterbury Cricket’s board to allow Stokes to play while he is in Christchurch visiting his parents, Gerard and Deb, has polarised public opinion.
Stokes was only signed after gaining approval from the (ECB), New Zealand Cricket and the New Zealand Cricket Players Association.
Neesham played a straight bat when asked whether the Otago players agreed with the decision.
‘‘It’s an interesting one, isn’t it? Canterbury Cricket have come out and said it was a debate in the dressing room. You can certainly see points from both sides.
‘‘It’s not really my place to be commenting on that sort of thing.’’
Stokes’ availability is a significant boost for domestic cricket and injury-riddled Canterbury, who are missing several of their leading fast bowlers.
The picturesque Mainpower Oval will be brimming with spectators keen to get a look at how Stokes is tracking, many who wouldn’t have been there had he not been playing.
Neesham said the young bowlers in their squad had bowled to New Zealand internationals and overseas imports in past seasons. He didn’t expect them to be rattled playing against Stokes.
‘‘No-one is certainly overawed by him. He’s another player and anyone can get a duck, anyone can get a hundred, and hopefully he gets the former on Sunday.’’
Otago coach Rob Walter didn’t think there would be signs of rustiness from Stokes, given his last game was on September 24 against the West Indies in Bristol.
He said all the pressure would be on Canterbury, given they had a player of Stokes’ quality in their side.
‘‘I wouldn’t be surprised if he was ready and raring to go. He probably has a point to prove with everybody watching him and [to see] if he would be ready for an Ashes call-up if it comes.’’
Stokes is set to bat four or five for Canterbury and Walter said it was imperative they created early pressure with the ball and stuck to their bowling plans.