Stokes ‘hurting’ with how Pak series has unfolded, says McCullum
England head coach Brendon McCullum said captain Ben Stokes will be "hurting" after the 2-1 Test series defeat against Pakistan.
Former England fast-bowler Dominic Cork showered praise on all-rounder Ben Stokes and labelled him as one of the country’s finest to have ever played the game.
29-year-old Stokes scored a scintillating 176 on day of the second #raisethebat Test match against the visiting West Indies side at the Old Trafford in Manchester.
“It could have been the end three years ago (with the Bristol incident) and I think he realised just what he has got as a talent,” former England seamer Cork said on Sky Sports ‘The Cricket Debate’
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“I genuinely think he can get better because of his work ethic. He wants to bat, he wants to bowl, he wants to work on his game, wants to get better.
“I know he works a hell of a lot on his bowling as well. I just see this man not becoming only the best in the world but one of the best we have had ever. That’s how highly I rate him.”
“I think there has definitely been a change with Ben,” said former England cricketer Ravi Bopara.
“He is a fiery character and always has been – even if you are playing PlayStation in hotel rooms!
“But as he has had a more important role in the side as an all-rounder, making an impact with bat and ball, winning games for England, and since England have started looking at him as the main guy, his attitude has changed with it.
“He has always been a hard worker – he bats for hours and is a bit of a machine when it comes to fitness – but he looks like he has got his head in the right place.
“He has made his mistakes and learnt from them. He looks a formidable cricketer.”
Stokes was the Player of the match of the finals of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 which England won in dramatic style. He was also the star of their Ashes Campaign.
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