London 24 August : England great Ian Botham believes that skipper Ben Stokes will not deviate from their ferocious approach during the second Test match against South Africa begins at Old Trafford on Thursday.He says Stokes is “highly competitive” and “wants to push the boundaries of the game”.England suffered a humiliating defeat in the first Test at Lord’s in the first Test and lost to the Proteas by 12 runs and an innings but former captains Joe Root and Stokes have stated that they will not look back from the ferocious and uncompromising style of play that was adopted by the players.
“I didn’t expect anything more from Ben,” Botham was quoted by the Daily Mail.”When you get to spend time with him , you will observe that he is an athlete who is highly competitive and is always looking to push the boundaries of the game.
“It’s going to be an exciting time with Stokes (Stokes) as well as (head coach) Brendon McCullum in charge.
What else could you ask for when you walk into the locker room than to be able to look at the two in the same place?” he added.
On whether Stokes is worthy of the title of”the “new Botham”, the all-time England legend admitted that it is a stretch to draw comparisons between the two eras but he said he enjoys “watching Ben play”.
“Look at it, you cannot compare yesterday to today.It’s so different.Let me put it this way: I enjoy watching Ben play.One thing that we share in the same way is that we both emptied the bars instead of filling them!” said Botham.
“It (team setting with Stokes as the captain) is surely an incredible boost.Everyone would love to play in this kind of environment , and to a extent we did in my time.
The (England dressing rooms) is probably like the West Indies dressing room of the 1980s.Imagine going into the room? The atmosphere? I believe that’s exactly what’s going on with this England team.Players will be keen to be part of it They are going to want to be part of it and will want to represent England,” added Botham.
Botham conceded that England may lose a game or two in their quest of brave cricket, but the way they’re playing is an “breath of fresh air” and is vital to the future of Test cricket.
“The manner in which England perform is incredibly crucial for the future of Test cricket.Be there and believe, with the sole object of winning the game.You’ll lose a few players this way as we witnessed at Lord’s but we’ve also seen before that, even when they lose an early lead in the first innings it is possible to get over it.I’m just thinking it’s an inhalation of fresh air.
“I do not think they’ll have any issues retaliating with a vengeance at Old Trafford.They’re in a different mindset today and are letting things go.They do not hold on to negative things.If you take a look at the England side of the last couple of years, the mindset was so sloppy.I’m constantly recalling the Lord’s Test in the year 2000 against New Zealand when we had the chance to bring the score but failed to even try at it.” said the legend.
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