Ben Stokes a world-wide star after vital Test knock for England on sub-continent, says James Taylor
Sunday 23 October 2016 04:41, UK
Ben Stokes proved his batting technique can cut it in subcontinental conditions as he revived England with a valuable 85 on day three of the first Test, says James Taylor.
Stokes starred with the ball, taking 4-26 as Bangladesh were bowled out for 248 to concede a first-innings deficit of 45 runs, before rescuing the tourists from 46-4 in their second dig with his seventh Test fifty.
Together with Jonny Bairstow (47), Stokes put on 127 for the fifth wicket before England closed on 228-8 - a substantial lead of 273 on a turning pitch.
Former England batsman, Taylor, told Sky Sports that Stokes' continued development means he is a game-changer on pitches all around the world.
"He's taken a huge stride forward in terms of batting in these types of conditions," said Taylor.
"I'm not going to say it has surprised me because I always knew he had it in him to do it but he's fulfilled that potential faster than I thought he would.
"We know he has the attacking game, the hard hands and that he can hit the ball extremely hard but the thing that has impressed me is his soft hands.
"If you're defence isn't strong you are going to come unstuck in these conditions sooner rather than later but Stokes has managed to get the balance right.
"He delivered his skills under pressure today in a situation where his team needed him most.
"He's now one of the senior men. He speaks more in the changing room than he ever has and he actually speaks really well because he has got the respect of the guys."
Bairstow fell short of his own half-century but his knock took him to 1,091 Test runs for 2016 so far - the most amassed by a wicketkeeper in a calendar year, surpassing Andy Flower's 1,045 in nine matches for Zimbabwe.
Taylor said the achievement speaks volumes about Bairstow's training ethic as well as ability.
"It takes a lot out of you, doing both disciplines but he's doing both unbelievably well at the minute," he said.
"The amount of time he's spent at the crease over the year is bound to take its toll on his keeping, but he's so fit now. He's fitter than he looks and he works hard on it as well as the technical side of things.
"The partnership between Stokes and Bairstow was outstanding. They've both been brilliant over the last year.
"Stokes and Bairstow took the attack to Bangladesh and used the sweep really well; they also milked the spinners, which is crucial in any conditions, but also hit their boundary options hard.
"It was an outstanding partnership; they stood up and showed a lot of character."
Watch day four of the first Test between Bangladesh and England live on Sky Sports 2 this Sunday from 4.45am.
