Root insists Ben Stokes will deal with hero status

David Clough 04:26 28/05/2015
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  • Lord's hero: Ben Stokes.

    Joe Root is confident Ben Stokes will continue to deliver for England after his match-winning exploits at Lord’s.

    Stokes produced a brilliant all-round performance to the delight of a partisan full house as England went 1-0 up in the Test series against his native New Zealand.

    The 23-year-old has had mixed fortunes, and headlines, since first grabbing the attention of England supporters with a maiden century in his second Test against Australia in Perth almost 18 months ago.

    But after sharing a crucial counter-attacking stand with him in England’s first innings last week, and then watching as Stokes smashed Lord’s fastest ever century second time round, Root is convinced there is much more in the locker.

    The England vice-captain, just five months older than Stokes, senses his team-mate is “growing up” and will be able to deal with the extra attention sure to come his way.

    “He will be fine,” said Root. “The thing about Ben is, every time he pulls on the shirt he gives absolutely everything. I don’t think that is going to change.”

    Stokes relishes the thick of the action and England appear to have concluded they will get the best out of him by putting him centre stage whenever possible.

    Root added: “When he is bowling, he will run in until he barely can’t move any more – if he is given that choice.

    “When he is batting, he is a free spirit; he goes and plays his shots and puts sides under pressure. In the field, he is dynamic, he can field anywhere.

    “He is one of those blokes you want in the side because he rubs off on you and gives everything.”

    It was Root and Stokes’ partnership of 161 – after England had faltered to 30 for four – which first gave Alastair Cook’s team a foothold in the first Test.

    As they seek to make it 2-0 at Headingley, starting on Friday, Root would not mind another chance to bat with the powerful left-hander.

    “It is great,” he said. “If he is going, you know the board is always going to be ticking over – you don’t have to worry about that. You know the bowlers will be under pressure, because he is always looking to score.

    “That is the art of batting – to try and make sure you are on top.”

    It did not take them long to do so, even against the Kiwis’ world-class swing bowlers Trent Boult and Tim Southee.

    “Even in times of struggle, when we are 30 for four, he came out and put them on the back foot,” Root added.

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