NZ vs ENG: Former England captain heaps praise on Ben Stokes
Stokes has made an impressive impact since taking over as England captain. (Twitter)
Former England Test skipper Nasser Hussain has showered high praise on England's current Test captain Ben Stokes. The 54-year-old said that Stokes' feel for the game and tactics as captain makes him one of the best leaders in the game.
Stokes has had a remarkable impact on England's Test team since taking over the captaincy from Joe Root last year. After being thrashed by Australia and West Indies, England were at rock bottom when Stokes was appointed at the helm.
However, alongside new head coach of the Test Brendon McCullum, Stokes has got England playing a new positive and aggressive brand of cricket and guided them to nine wins in last ten games. This successful run includes a historic series whitewash in Pakistan.
In his column for the Daily Mail, Hussain wrote that the England Test skipper is tactically brilliant and has got that "feel for the game". He cited England's Test series win in Pakistan as an example to prove his point.
"Ben Stokes' feel for the game and tactics as captain in the field are as good as anybody I've ever seen. You only have to look at the Pakistan series for that. England took 20 wickets in all three Tests on three of the flattest pitches you could imagine and that told you everything about not only their attack but also a captain who has that real feel for the game," wrote Hussain ahead of England's first Test against New Zealand.
World-class Stokes is naturally gifted as a player, but he also has a great cricketing brain and thinks his way through situations. He also has such an aura that he commands massive respect in the changing room from his players and support staff.
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