Buttler hopes Stokes can carry his explosive form into the IPL as well

The stand-in England captain spoke about the all-rounder's batting performance at number three and why he was not surprised by what he saw from him, playing at that number.

Published : Mar 27, 2021 18:55 IST , PUNE

In the absence of Joe Root, Stokes has been handed the responsibility of batting at 3 and he delivered with 99 runs in the second ODI on Friday-PTI
In the absence of Joe Root, Stokes has been handed the responsibility of batting at 3 and he delivered with 99 runs in the second ODI on Friday-PTI
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In the absence of Joe Root, Stokes has been handed the responsibility of batting at 3 and he delivered with 99 runs in the second ODI on Friday-PTI

Ben Stokes' aggressive batting has an intimidating effect on bowlers and England's stand-in captain Jos Buttler would like his premier all-rounder to carry this form for Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League.

"He is an intimidating guy to bowl at and may that form continue into tomorrow and as a fellow Rajasthan Royal (team-mate) into the IPL," the 30-year-old wicket-keeper said at the pre-match virtual press conference ahead of the third ODI.

Buttler was very impressed with Stokes' batting at Number 3, stating how he had evolved as a player in the past few years and wasn't surprised to see the southpaw do well in that position.

"He (Stokes) has had a few (innings) and his World Cup final (80 odd) one was pretty good. But we all know the talent Ben has. I feel like his batting in the last few years has continued to improve and go to another level and we have seen that in all formats.

"It was impressive to watch how Ben (Stokes) always wants to bat. He is involved in the game as much as he can. It was fantastic to watch and it was no surprise that he played so well in that position," Buttler said.

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The skipper said that with so many options available, it is only a given that all players would like to pay as many deliveries possible.

"And the same questions are asked, where I should bat, where Jonny (Bairstow) should bat, we have a wealth of talent at the moment in white-ball cricket and (there are) lots of guys, who want to face as many balls as possible, so it is no surprise that Ben played so well. It is a good headache to have for the guys in-charge," he said when asked whether Stokes could also bat one-drop in T20s.

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