Former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff has predicted the trump card who can steal the show in the upcoming World Cup for the English team. Flintoff who was well known for his all-around capabilities believes Ben Stokes could be the trump card for the number one team in the ODI rankings.
Meanwhile, Ben Stokes hasn’t been in the best of forms in the recent past. Stokes recently played in the Indian Premier League for Rajasthan Royals but failed to get going. The talisman all-rounder could only score 123 runs in the nine innings he played. Furthermore, Stokes scalped only six wickets in the nine matches of the season.
Ben Stokes can steal the show.
Consequently, Ben Stokes will need to turn the tables in the upcoming World Cup. Stokes is a quality player and England will like him to be at the top of his game.
“With Ben, he’s just different,” Andrew Flintoff told reporters in London on Tuesday.
“As a batter, he can bat three, he can bat four — his bowling’s getting better all the time. The World T20 probably knocked his confidence a little bit. That can happen, bowling at the death,” added Flintoff at an event to publicise the official song of the World Cup, ‘Stand By’ by Loryn and Rudimental.
“He’s always in the big moments of a game. He seems to be that lad who lifts the team”.
On the other hand, Ben Stokes was taken for 24 runs in the final over of the World T20 final against Carlos Brathwaite. Andrew Flintoff stated that such instances can demolish the confidence of a player. However, Stokes has the skills to turn the tables.
Andrew Flintoff Backs Ben Stokes.
“I think he has come through the other side and I think we’re about to see the best of Ben Stokes. Or I hope so because I genuinely love watching him,” Andrew Flintoff said.
“World Cup, Ashes — it’s all to play for,” he insisted.
“As a character and player like Ben, you wouldn’t be surprised if he just steals the show.
Ben Stokes is a world-class all-rounder and he would like to come up with a complete performance in the World Cup. England will begin their World Cup campaign against South Africa on 30th May at Kennington Oval.