Mike Hussey declares his favorite for the CT Player of the Tournament award

Mike Hussey, popularly known as Mr. Cricket, has predicted the player who will be crowned as the player of the tournament in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017. Though the tournament will feature the likes of some outrageous talents like Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Joe Root and Steven Smith, the legendary Aussie left-hander picked English all-rounder Ben Stokes to steal the limelight this year.

Ben Stokes was roped in by the Rising Pune Supergiant in the IPL this year for a colossal 14.5 crores which not only surprised the whole cricketing fraternity but also the player himself. The tall, stout Englishman has successfully returned the favor to the franchise by producing value for money performances which was crucial in taking his team to the finals of the cash-rich tournament. Though Stokes could only be available for the side until the end of the league stages, it has been one hell of a debut season for the blonde all-rounder.

What Hussey said:

The 41-year-old Hussey believes that Ben Stokes will carry on his outstanding form to the Champions Trophy as well with home soil being an advantage.

“I feel like his batting has improved immeasurably, he’s now starting to really work it out,” said Hussey.

“And with experience he’s getting better as a short-form bowler as well, he’s more confident in his own ability. “He’s an incredible talent, incredible power.   “Once he starts figuring the game out in the mind, how he plays best and with a bit more experience it’s a really dangerous combination. “All the assets are there and if his confidence is up and gets the opportunity to play well then he could get on a roll and be really hard to stop.” Added the former Australian international.

If Stokes proves Hussey right, he will be the first Englishman to receive the honor. He will join a list of elites which include the likes of Jacques Kallis, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Chris Gayle, Ricky Ponting and Shikhar Dhawan.