Ben Stokes, who had to swallow his pride to get a century in England’s 2023 World Cup league stage match against the Netherlands, was praised by Mohammad Kaif.
In Pune on Wednesday, England set the Dutch a target of 340 runs after Stokes hit 108 runs off 84 deliveries. After that, their bowlers dismissed Scott Edwards and his team for 179 to seal a commanding 160-run victory and maintain their chances of winning the 2025 Champions Trophy.
When questioned about his reaction to Ben Stokes‘ knock during Star Sports’ game review, Kaif said:
“He [Stokes] left his ego aside. If you talk about the Lucknow match, he was trying to do Bazball against Mohammed Shami, that he is a very big player and will play shots. He played 10 balls and got out for zero.”
Mohammad Kaif
The former cricket player from India complimented the England Test captain for learning from his dismissal of Mohammed Shami. He clarified:
“Then he reached Ahmedabad. There he played 90 balls, gave respect, grinded it out, got his form, and scored a century today. So he learned from the embarrassment in Lucknow, that he has to respect good balls and the conditions.”
Mohammad Kaif
In an attempt to allow himself space to play a huge shot in England’s match against India, Stokes was castled by Shami for a duck. The left-handed hitter then amassed a respectable century against the Netherlands after making a calm 64 off 90 balls against Australia.
Mohammad Kaif lauds Ben Stokes for his effort and shot selection
It was pointed out by Mohammad Kaif that Ben Stokes began his innings with traditional stroke play. He said:
“He did that today, played cautiously at the start, and took his time. He got gifts later, received full tosses, it was a free hit, you get that, but he put in the effort at the start. He spent time at the crease and played proper straight drives.”
Mohammad Kaif
In closing, the former cricket player turned pundit noted that even the best players have a duty to respect the game. He clarified:
“He played proper cricketing shots and the unconventional shots came later. He reached his century with a reverse sweep. It shows that you might be a great player but cricket is bigger than you. You have to keep your head down and play, and he showed that by doing it in today’s knock.”
Mohammad Kaif
Throughout his innings, Stokes hit six fours and just as many sixes. After England was once down to 192/6, he and Chris Woakes (51 off 45) contributed 129 runs for the seventh wicket to guarantee that England reached a threatening total.