‘Stokes could be England’s best’

Andrew Flintoff reckons England all-rounder Ben Stokes could be the country’s best all-rounder after his positive contributions during their tour in India and Bangladesh.
Known as an explosive batsman, Stokes showcased that he can also be patient as he handled himself well against spin-friendly surfaces, scoring 128 in Rajkot against India.
“He’s a proper batsman. He’s got the power but he’s also got the finesse,” Flintoff told Standard Sport.
“He could be England’s best ever all-rounder, not just better than me. Better than all of them.”
The former England cricketer was in awe of the 25-year-old when he scored the second fastest double ton in history against South Africa, but added that his bowling does need some attention.
“[Stokes] can perform on anything, he scored that double hundred in South Africa. He performed against the Aussies, and we’re going to see him getting better and better,” the 38-year-old said.
“His bowling will keep improving — I think he’ll always be a batsman who bowls rather than the other way round — but when he’s got the ball in his hands, something happens.”
Going forward, Flintoff believes that Stokes is a match winner for England and he will have to cope with a tremendous amount of pressure.
“There’s going to be a lot of pressure on him because everyone will look to Ben to turn games and he will fail from time to time,” Flintoff concluded.
“He’ll fail quite a bit, but you’ve just got to go with that because what he will give you at times, he will genuinely win a match nearly on his own.”
Latest
-
News
Lancashire sign New Zealand pair Daryl Mitchell and Colin de Grandhomme
The all-rounders will be available to play in the LV= Insurance County Championship and Vitality T20 Blast throughout the season.
-
England
Jos Buttler admits he needs to find his rhythm as England lose to South Africa
The hosts won the second ODI by five wickets to clinch the series in Bloemfontein.
-
South Africa
Temba Bavuma hits hundred as South Africa secure ODI series win over England
The Proteas chased down 343 at Bloemfontein to go 2-0 up in the three-match series.
-
England
Jos Buttler and Harry Brook give England hope of levelling ODI series
England reached 342 for seven against South Africa, with Buttler making 94 and Brook 80.
-
England
Jason Roy was never ready to ‘roll over’ despite year of setbacks and low points
Roy has for so long been England’s pacesetter at the top of the order but lost his place in the side.
-
England
England batter Jason Roy emotional after return to form in South Africa defeat
Roy’s slump with the bat led to him being dropped ahead of England’s T20 World Cup-winning campaign last year.
-
England
Jofra Archer will ‘get better and better’ but England batting needs more bite
Archer took one for 81 on a hot and sunny afternoon in Bloemfontein.
-
England
England beaten by South Africa in first ODI despite blistering Jason Roy century
Roy scored 113 off just 91 balls but South Africa ran out winners by 27 runs.
-
Women's Cricket
England reach Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup final after winning thriller
With Australia 96 for nine chasing 100, the England captain trapped Maggie Clark lbw to send her side through to face India in the final.
-
England
Jofra Archer toils for little reward as South Africa set England 299 to win ODI
Archer believes he is at about “80 per cent” fitness so some rust was inevitable.