#4 Ben Stokes’ revival in ODIs
Ben Stokes always looked like a limited overs player. A quick bowler capable of bowling above 140kmph with big hitting ability is always in high demand. While Stokes’ talent was unquestionable, his performances with the bat in limited overs cricket did not instill confidence.
Before the home series against Pakistan, since when he has been in better touch, Stokes averaged a low 21.4 in ODIs, with just four half-centuries, two of which came in the series against South Africa. Though he compiled a terrific double hundred in Tests in South Africa his ODI potential seemed unfulfilled.
But since the tour to South Africa, Stokes has averaged 49 with the bat. In Bangladesh, he furthered his claims to that all-rounder spot with a brilliant match-winning hundred and another composed unbeaten 47 to win the series decider. Stokes has looked a different player in this tour and England will bank heavily on him in the upcoming series against India.
