Ben will not stop stoking the fire
BEN STOKES promised not to tone down his aggressive approach to the game.
It has brought him success, but can land players in hot water as South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada found when he was banned from the second Test for telling Stokes to ‘f*** off’ at Lord’s.
But Stokes reckons neither he nor pace bowler Rabada will change their way of playing, even if tempers boil over now and again.
“It’s part of the game,” said the England all-rounder. “You just need to be careful with what you say and where you say it.
“Rabada’s comments came out of nowhere, which is why I turned around. If anything it just shows he cares about how he performs.
“We’ve no bad blood between us and I would be very surprised if he calms anything down. That’s what makes him the bowler he is – it is part of his repertoire, quick and aggressive.”
Rabada went into the first Test with three disciplinary points and the outburst at Stokes triggered a suspension.
Stokes added: “We are similar characters and it helps to get me going when I’m bowling, but I’m on a demerit point as well.”
He hopes England can get their batting back on track at the Oval after a dismal display at Trent Bridge, but warned pundits not to question the team’s desire and commitment, even if results are poor.
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