Jeremy Coney says Ben Stokes takes a wicket when the team needs one, urges England captain to improve batting form

Former New Zealand all-rounder Jeremy Coney has showered praise on Ben Stokes, the bowler, in the ongoing five-match Anderson-Tendulkar series. Stokes has taken the onus of bowling long spells on his shoulders and has led from the front in the series.

The England captain returned with figures of 3-48 in the second innings when India was chasing a below-par target of 193. Stokes accounted for Akash Deep, KL Rahul, and Jasprit Bumrah in his spell

The all-rounder had bagged 2-63 in the first innings, and thus he bagged the Player of the Match award.

“He’s had ups and downs. Future, I think he’s a great bowler. I think he always looks dangerous and has the knack. He’s one of those who takes a wicket when the team needs one. I find him fun to play around,” Coney said on talkSPORT Cricket.

Stokes has picked 11 wickets in three Test matches at an average of 29.45 and Coney rates him as the best bowler of the series.

“His bowling has definitely helped England because he is fit. He’s been the best bowler in this series. His component in batting needs to improve and I’m sure he’ll be working on that. He’s ambitious to play more Test match cricket,” he said. 

However, Coney questioned Stokes’ numbers with the bat as Stokes has scored only 163 runs in three Test matches of the series. Stokes has a career average of 35.16.

Coney concluded, “His average is 35 (35.15), I am guessing. Is that enough for a No.6? He’s a remarkable and talismanic all-rounder. You don’t often get someone who is equal at both. Is he a better batsman or a bowler? Is he good enough the way he’s batting at the moment, to bat at five or six? Is he capable of being in a four-man (bowling) attack?”

The fourth Test match between England and India will be played at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, from July 23 onwards.