Former Australian captain Ian Chappell heaped praise on Ben Stokes after the all-rounder once again proved his mettle in a big match for the Three Lions. Stokes scored an unbeaten knock of 52 runs off 49 balls in the all-important T20 World Cup final against Pakistan at the MCG to help his team win by five wickets.
Stokes has been a big match player and he once again proved his worth. The all-rounder had made it to the middle when there was pressure on the England batters but he stood firm and got his team over the line.
The veteran was able to soak in the pressure and played at the top of his game to take England to their second T20 World Cup crown. Furthermore, Stokes had also accounted for Iftikhar Ahmed and conceded 32 runs in his quota of four overs.
Chappell feels there is no wonder that England captain Jos Buttler wanted Ben Stokes in the World Cup squad.
Chappell wrote in his column for ESPN Cricinfo, “Stokes has an enviable record of performing at his best when the stakes are highest. It’s no wonder England captain Jos Buttler demanded his presence in the World Cup squad. The fact that Buttler pushed for Stokes’ presence in the T20 squad despite the allrounder’s rare appearances in the format speaks highly of the captain’s short-form knowledge.”
“Buttler displays much T20 expertise and the one-on-one sessions in which he talked with England players about their role further enhanced those leadership qualities.”
On the other hand, Jos Buttler was also able to lead from the front. Buttler scored a fine knock of 73 runs against New Zealand in a must-win game. Furthermore, he scored another match-winning knock of 80 runs in the semifinal against India.
However, Chappell feels there is no place for Buttler in England’s Test team.
“Unfortunately for Stokes, he can’t repay Buttler’s confidence when leading the Test team. As England’s biggest challenge will be making sure they pick their best Test side, this option is not available to Stokes. There is no place in the Test team for an out-of-sorts Buttler.”
The South Australian added: “Stokes is evolving as a captain and has also produced enough magical performances in the heat of battle to be considered a miracle worker by his team-mates. This is invaluable for a captain. Being a smart cricketer, Stokes can now advance his Test leadership by shrewdly assessing those aspects of a successful T20 World Cup campaign that attracted his attention.”
England is currently taking on Australia in three-match ODI series and they are trailing by 2-0.
