Ben Stokes will be buzzing after Pune's win over RCB, says England coach Paul Farbrace
Monday 17 April 2017 11:52, UK
Ben Stokes is seizing the chance to prove his ability on the global stage in the Indian Premier League, according to England assistant coach Paul Farbrace.
England all-rounder Stokes took 3-18, including the wicket of India captain Virat Kohli, as he helped Rising Pune Supergiant to a 27-run victory over Royal Challengers Bangalore on Easter Sunday.
"He's now got one fifty [against Kings XI Punjab] and to get wickets yesterday will take the pressure off him and really make him feel part of the set-up," Farbrace told Sky Sports News HQ.
"He will be feeling really brilliant about contributing in such a great way to such a fantastic win.
"In the IPL the games come thick and fast and it just shows what he is capable of achieving on the world stage."
Another England player to hit a half century in this year's IPL is Sam Billings, who crashed 55 from 40 balls as Delhi Daredevils thrashed Kings Xi Punjab by 51 runs at the weekend.
Farbrace is keen to see the Kent wicketkeeper-batsman use Saturday's knock as a platform to kick on for the remainder of the IPL.
"That 50 will be vital for Sam and he will want to back that up now with more runs," Farbrace said.
"He's had a couple of 20's looked fantastic, looked brilliant but he needs to back that up and continue putting big scores together.
"But it's great to see him batting at the top of the order. He's a fantastic, exciting player with fast hands."
Farbrace also reserved some words of praise for Warwickshire all-rounder Chris Woakes, who dismissed Yuvraj Singh in Kolkata Knight Riders' 17-run win over Sunrisers Hyderabad on Saturday.
"Woakes has been outstanding," Farbrace said.
"He's had a fantastic 12 months in international cricket. This is all new for him - he's not played in franchise cricket before - so it's a learning experience for him."
New NOW TV customers: Grab a Sky Sports Month Pass for just £25.
Live Indian Premier League
