Different Stokes: Don’t punch lockers anymore
MATURED All-rounder has learnt how to harness aggression
MUMBAI: Over the years, England’s search for the next Ian Botham has been relentless. The closest they came was when all-rounder Andrew Flintoff burst on to the scene and starred in the famous 2005 Ashes. Flintoff ’s heroics though earned him a different identity and it seemed English fans had moved on from the search.
Since the summer of 2015, focus on this search has found a new face. All-rounder Ben Stokes made the year one of the best of his career. A lower-order batsman, Stokes is equally comfortable bowling medium pace.
His knock of 258 off 198 balls against South Africa earlier this year turned out to be the fastest double century by an English batsman.
The innings helped him beat Botham’s record when he had scored 208 against India in 220 balls. Stokes’ knock was 57 balls quicker. “It is an innings that will change his life,” Botham had said of the knock then.
The English press and fans alike have since begun comparisons.
His exploits in the shortest format, in national colours as well as in the Big Bash League, have made him a person of interest for the upcoming World Twenty20.
Just ahead of the World T20 in 2014, Stokes had found himself in trouble. Frustrated at getting out during a match against West Indies, he punched a locker in the dressing room and broke his wrist which sidelined him for four weeks and miss the event in Bangladesh.
“I just handle it maturely now, but I don’t punch any lockers anymore if that’s what you’re trying to get out of me,” adds Stokes.
The World T20 now provides him a chance to make amends.
Stokes’ contributions have played a part in making England an agg ressive unit. “I would say we are aggressive. This team has been together for a while. When you play together, you know how the team operates. And I think we are all on the same page,” Stokes said.