Big century for special Stokes
POPE HAILS ‘GAME CHANGER’ BEN
OLLIE POPE has hailed Ben Stokes as a game changer before the England captain gears up for his 100th Test this week.
England are back in India following a break in the United Arab Emirates between the second and third Tests, with Stokes set to make his landmark appearance in Rajkot tomorrow.
As well as being England’s ace in the hole and pulling out all the stops when the pressure is at its peak, Stokes’ dynamic style of leadership alongside head coach Brendon McCullum has galvanised the national side.
Stokes boasts 14 victories from 21 Tests – no one who has captained England on 10 or more occasions in the format has a better win percentage (66.67) – and his revolutionary effect was recognised by Pope.
England’s vice-captain said: “It’s unbelievable. For anyone to play 100 Tests is an unbelievable achievement.
“He’s had his highs and lows, but what he’s done since he’s been captain has been amazing.
“Stokesy is not someone who likes it being all about him. He doesn’t need those accolades but away from the ground I’m sure we’ll celebrate him, get around him and think of something to do. He’s changed the game in a lot of respects. He just has a way of bringing out the best in himself when the team needs him the most. “There have been so many unbelievable memories and, hopefully, he can play 100 more. “He’s been great to watch, his teams have been great to be a part of, and hopefully there’ll be many more special moments in his career.”
England have enjoyed a six-day breather in Abu Dhabi to decompress and go again following a gripping pair of Tests in Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam that has left the series evenly poised at 1-1.
Surrey batsman Pope said: “It’s a nice way just to refresh. The guys are energised coming into these last three Tests.
“We’ve loved every bit of this
have been two competitive games of cricket that have been awesome to play in.
“But it was a nicely timed break to recharge the batteries.”