Ben Stokes is the real team player: Michael Vaughan

England all-rounder Ben Stokes rattled the West Indies batting line up by picking his career best figures of 6/22 during the first day of the 3rd Test match at Lord’s. Stokes found his name on both the honors board after scoring a hundred in the first inning. The crowd and fans were anticipating James Anderson‘s 500th Test wicket celebration, but it was the New Zealand-born all-rounder who hogged the limelight.

Anderson picked up two wickets and therefore taking his tally of wickets to 499. West Indies were bowled out for 123 in their first inning, before restricting the hosts to 46/4 at the end of first day’s play. Former England skipper Michael Vaughan praised Stokes and lauded his all-round skills.

A freak cricketer: Vaughan

During the ongoing third Test at Lords, he said, “England have got a freak cricketer. They are very fortunate to have him because he will win games of cricket in every format for years to come.He might even win this match.”

Commenting on his batting, Vaughan said, “He came out and batted and looked better than any of the top five.He looked in control and played a beautiful drive through extra cover. Not only is he important with bat and ball, but also his body language and his commitment to the team. He’s a real team player and his training ethic, the approach he takes to practice is so important for the rest of the team.”

More like Freddie

Comparing him with former greats of the game, he said, “He’s a bit of a Jack the lad, he likes a laugh like his fellow all-rounders Ian Botham and Andrew Flintoff., But when he’s training in the nets, he hits more balls than anyone else.”

“Clearly he has a gene inside him that makes it very natural to play cricket but it’s the hard work that allows him to produce these performances that we’ve seen throughout pretty much the whole summer.” Vaughan concluded.