Trevor Bayliss backs Ben Stokes to become a star of the future
Wednesday 26 October 2016 10:27, UK
Trevor Bayliss believes Ben Stokes is capable of becoming one of the greatest all-rounders in cricket history after his match-winning display in England's first Test victory against Bangladesh.
Stokes took the final two wickets as England secured a 22-run win in Chittagong on the final morning, having bailed out Alastair Cook's side with ball and bat as a gripping Test unfolded.
His 4-26 sparked a Bangladesh collapse as they surrendered a first-innings lead, and when the game was back in the balance after England's top order struggled, Stokes hit a mature 85 from 151 balls to help set a target that proved just too much for the hosts.
Durham all-rounder Stokes has hit form at the right time, with England moving on to play India in five Test matches once their tour of Bangladesh ends at the conclusion of the second Test in Dhaka, live on Sky Sports.
"The potential of the guy, he could be right up there with some of the all-time best all-rounders," Bayliss said. "Only time will tell.
"Certainly the strides he's made on the subcontinent playing spin has been top class.
"It wasn't all that long ago we were wondering how he might go on spin-friendly wickets, but he's a guy that works extremely hard in the nets.
Live Test Cricket
"I think it's his defence to spin that he's improved out of sight. We know that if he gets a bad ball he can hit anything over the fence but you've got to be there to get that loose ball."
With another six Tests to play before Christmas, England have stressed the importance of managing workloads in order to avoid burnout. While that might mean resting key personnel, Bayliss was reluctant to include the Stokes in that category.
"It would be a brave man to bet against it, with Stokesy," Bayliss said.
"With him, we've got to watch what he does between the Tests to make sure he is available for all the matches.
"He allows us to play that extra spinner and the third pace bowler. He's very important."
Watch the second Test between Bangladesh and England on Sky Sports 2 HD. Coverage begins on Friday at 4:30am.
