STARS IN BEN’S EYES
Stokes backs new boys to shine on big stage
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ENGLAND will still have enough firepower to dismantle New Zealand at Lord’s even though they will be without a host of star names, according to Ben Stokes.
The superstar all-rounder admits he is “gutted” to be missing out with his left index finger still recovering from surgery.
Along with Stokes, Jofra Archer, Jos Buttler, Chris Woakes and Sam Curran are all unavailable for captain Joe Root when they would otherwise be involved.
That has cleared the way for James Bracey and Ollie Robinson to make their debuts.
And even though New Zealand will be taking on India in the World Test Championship final afterwards, their hunt for a first series win in England since 1999 could go on a little longer.
“Rooty and the lads will have their work cut out against a decent New Zealand team,” said Stokes.
“But I reckon we still have enough in the tank to get a result with some entertaining cricket on show.
“The England team will look a little different to what we’ve been used to but whether you’re earning your first or your 100th cap, it is the quality of the cricket
that matters. “Guys like Bracey and Robinson have fully earned their call-ups. “You never totally know how it is going to go until they get out there, but it is fair to say we’re excited.
“I’m gutted to be missing the start of England’s international summer. “I’m able to bowl, I’m able to get in the gym and I’m able to hit
some balls again so I’m at an exciting point of my recovery where full-on training is not that far away.
“It is still too early to say exactly when I’ll be back for Durham, but I’ve had a good start.”
When he returns some things will be just the same as ever, such as the sight of Jimmy Anderson with a ball in his hands taking wickets.
Anderson is set to equal Sir Alastair Cook’s mark of 161 England Test caps and he is just eight wickets short of 1,000 first-class victims, records that Stokes marvels at.
“That is simply an incredible effort from Jimmy and as I sit here now injured and unable to play, I’m blown away by his ability to get on the park as many times added.
“To take as many wickets as he has is one thing. His skills are second to none. But I’m not sure people realise just how much commitment and dedication to the sport it takes to keep going game after game, year after year, coming back injury after injury, and still producing the goods.
“I have taken plenty from Jimmy, not so much from talking about bowling – which we do every now and again – but from watching him.
“When it comes to bowling I have had the best teacher right in front of me showing me how to do it.
“He is relentless with his line and length, with a bit of magic thrown in.” as he has done,” he