Ben Stokes Has No Qualms In Facing Emotional Kagiso Rabada At The Oval

Jul 26, 2017 at 3:17 PM

facebook iconlinkedin iconmail icontwitter iconWhatsApp iconTelegram icon
Ben Stokes Has No Qualms In Facing Emotional Kagiso Rabada At The Oval

As hosts England and visitors South Africa are scheduled to meet in what would be hundredth Test at the Kia Oval, as a venue on Thursday, the Three Lions all-rounder Ben Stokes revealed he has no grudges to face the Proteas fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, who was banned for the second Test at Trent Bridge after swearing at Stokes, in the first Investec Test at iconic Lord’s. (Read Here: The Kia Oval 100th Test: Five Historic Moments At The Ground).

“I have no bad blood with him or any grudges – if anything it just shows he cares about how he performs,” Stokes was quoted as saying by AFP.

It’s pertinent to mention, the 22-year-old premium fast bowler was already losing the points on a disciplinary basis, as he was charged by match referee Jeff Crowe after getting complete evidence from the stump microphone of swearing from Rabada when he dismissed the promising Christchurch-born left-handed batsman.

The Durham-based star all-rounder Stokes on the sidelines of Test series sponsor Investec revealed he’s focusing on his game while adding Rabada has been a significant player in the Proteas set-up.

“I would be very surprised if he calms anything down. That is what makes him the bowler he is – it is part of his repertoire, quick and aggressive,” Stokes remarked.

Emotional Kagiso Rabada celebrating after dismissing Ben Stokes at Lord’s. Photo Credit: Getty Images.

Faf du Plessis-led South Africa thrashed Joe Root’s England by 340 runs to level the series at Trent Bridge, after all-round performance made things miserable for the hosts, as they also drew flak over the humiliating loss.

Stokes, who was annoyed with the amount of criticism, England received after a massive loss, is scheduled to face his counterpart in the third Test in the southern part of London, as he is aiming to give his best both with bat and a ball.

Interestingly, the 26-year-old Stokes has also collected points following a couple of offences and it further could lead to his ban on the cumulative basics owing to the aggression at 22-yard.

“It is part of the game … you just need to be careful with what you say and where you say it,” Stokes asserted.

Stokes, who has been involved in the on-field aggression, knows the repercussions of the same while adding whatever stump microphone picks up could not be deemed always as a ‘swearing’ if a player would shout it out loud.

“Unfortunately with stump mics – if you are going to say something loudly – it can’t be a swear word,” Stokes concluded.

Stokes also revealed the unit and management was not happy while revealing they expected a better outcome before failing to adapt on the day four.

Stokes has featured in 34 Tests in which he has scored 1,977 runs and bagged 83 wickets, where as Rabada represented South Africa in 18 Test to claim 77 wickets at an average of 24.09.

Related Article
IND vs ENG: There Is No Glory In Failure Or Defeat – Geoffrey Boycott Slams Ben Stokes And Brendon McCullum Over Bazball Approach In India
IND vs ENG: There Is No Glory In Failure Or Defeat – Geoffrey Boycott Slams Ben Stokes And Brendon McCullum Over Bazball Approach In India

Feb 7, 2024, 2:06 PM


IND vs ENG: You Can’t Really Do Much With Things That Have Been And Gone – Ben Stokes On Zak Crawley’s Controversial LBW Dismissal
IND vs ENG: You Can’t Really Do Much With Things That Have Been And Gone – Ben Stokes On Zak Crawley’s Controversial LBW Dismissal

Feb 6, 2024, 12:56 PM


IND vs ENG 2024: England Leave India For Abu Dhabi Ahead Of Third Test
IND vs ENG 2024: England Leave India For Abu Dhabi Ahead Of Third Test

Feb 6, 2024, 11:19 AM


IND vs ENG: I Always Seem To Do Something That’s A Talking Point, Good Or Bad – Ben Stokes Opens Up On His Bizarre Run-Out Dismissal
IND vs ENG: I Always Seem To Do Something That’s A Talking Point, Good Or Bad – Ben Stokes Opens Up On His Bizarre Run-Out Dismissal

Feb 6, 2024, 10:11 AM


IND vs ENG: I Thought He Under-bowled Himself As Captain – Ben Stokes On Utilising Joe Root’s Bowling Prowess In The 1st Test
IND vs ENG: I Thought He Under-bowled Himself As Captain – Ben Stokes On Utilising Joe Root’s Bowling Prowess In The 1st Test

Feb 2, 2024, 12:32 PM


Ben Stokes To Resume Bowling As Joe Root Overtakes Him As England’s Top-Ranked Test Allrounder
Ben Stokes To Resume Bowling As Joe Root Overtakes Him As England’s Top-Ranked Test Allrounder

Feb 1, 2024, 11:28 AM


Desktop Banner
Mobile Banner