On the eve of the third ODI against India, England's stand-in skipper Jos Buttler heaped praise on Ben Stokes, saying that the all-rounder’s aggressive batting has an intimidating effect on bowlers and he also hoped his teammate to carry this form for Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL).
Chasing 337 in the second ODI, England overhauled the target with 39 balls to spare. Stokes' carnage took the game away from India as he smashed 99 off just 52 deliveries, including 10 sixes and 4 fours.
"He is an intimidating guy to bowl at and may that form continue into tomorrow and as a fellow Rajasthan Royal (team-mate) into the IPL," Buttler said during a virtual press conference on Saturday (March 27).
"He (Stokes) has had a few (innings) and his World Cup final (80 odd) one was pretty good. But we all know the talent Ben has. I feel like his batting in the last few years has continued to improve and go to another level and we have seen that in all formats," he added.
In the absence of Joe Root, Stokes is batting at No. 3 slot in the ongoing ODI series. He made the mockery of Indian bowlers in the second game, stitching 175 runs for the second wicket in just 117 deliveries with Jonny Bairstow, who slammed 124 off 112 balls.
"It was impressive to watch how Ben (Stokes) always wants to bat. He is involved in the game as much as he can. It was fantastic to watch and it was no surprise that he played so well in that position," Buttler stated.
The skipper said that with so many options available, it is only a given that all players would like to play as many deliveries possible.
"And the same questions are asked, where I should bat, where Jonny (Bairstow) should bat, we have a wealth of talent at the moment in white-ball cricket and (there are) lots of guys, who want to face as many balls as possible, so it is no surprise that Ben played so well. It is a good headache to have for the guys in-charge," Buttler said when asked whether Stokes could also bat at No. 3 in the shortest format of the game.
(With PTI inputs)
