There is adrenaline, but I’d never punch someone, says Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes, who can safely be called the most desirable all-rounder across all formats, doesn’t shy away from indulging in a banter or two because it’s no surprise that his temper soars high and is prone to clashing with other players who hold the same temperament.

In an interview, Stokes bares this side of and reveals what he does when he is angry or pissed off. Be it against Virat Kohli, Marlon Samuels, Shakib Al Hasan, Imad Wasim or Tamim Iqbal, the list goes on. On being asked how close his altercations on the pitch have come to turning physical he gave a short, ambiguous laugh and answered in a way as if he meant otherwise, “There’s adrenaline there, but I’d never get close to punching someone. It’s the heat of the moment. Trying to be the bloke to get the wicket that will change the game back in our favour.”

In the final Test of the West Indies series earlier this month, he returned with career-best figures of 6/22, and became only the eighth player to have his name on both honours boards at Lord’s meaning, he has not only taken five wickets with the ball there but also scored a century.

How he deals with anger issues

And as expected, sometimes an altercation with someone else isn’t the only reason for his temper. His own performance could very well be the reason for the same. For example, the last over of the ICC World Twenty20 championship might still haunt him but it’s difficult to fathom how difficult it must be in that very moment for Stokes, who wears his heart on his sleeve.

On being asked if he is given space if he hasn’t batted or bowled well, he was quoted by Times.co.uk as saying, “If someone gets out or bowls badly, you try not to get in their space. Leave them to it.”

He also added what he personally does to vent out when in such situations. “I methodically pack my kit bag now when I get too pissed off, because it takes me five or ten minutes and by then I’m usually done with the frustration and anger.”

His recent “stump mic” incident at Headingly in the second West Indies Test this summer where Ben Stokes was given another demerit point to add to his collection after he was heard swearing on the pitch meaning he is now one short of suspension.

“Look, from what I’ve heard [the authorities] are going to sit down and discuss the rulings on that,” he says. “If a batsman gets hit close to the stump mic and swears in pain, is that going to be a penalty? A heap of frustration had built up all that day and then the batsman got a nick and it went for four, and swearing was a release for me.”