England’s two one-day victories against Pakistan have been so straightforward that even one of their most gung-ho cricketers is warning against any complacency throughout the rest of the series.
After Saturday’s win at Lord’s, Ben Stokes said: “We could spill into dangerous territory if we start to think too far ahead. We have gone 2-0 up in the series because we have been playing the better cricket.” He then pointed out, like the cagey old pro he isn’t, the dangers of thinking the series is already done and dusted.
There are three 50-over matches remaining, with the next one taking place at Trent Bridge on Tuesday.
England’s simple victory at Lord’s, fashioned by the capture of three wickets before everyone had found their seats, was mighty efficient. The fast bowlers bowled fast and straight; the catchers caught – with Liam Plunkett producing a dazzling one-handed snatch at cover. With the senior batsmen Joe Root and Eoin Morgan to the fore, a modest target was knocked off without alarms.
In fact, the England side should be stronger at Trent Bridge because they will have the benefit of another bowler. Stokes, who has had the unusual experience of playing as a specialist batsman in the first two matches, expects to be fit enough to give Morgan more options with the ball on Tuesday.
Stokes said: “The plan from the start was to be fit and ready to bowl by the third ODI, and it is looking likely that I will be there for Eoin if needed. I’ve done all the prep and I’m ready to bowl. Hopefully I’ll be asked.”
The Durham all-rounder hates being out of the action and admits to be uncomfortable in the field when there is no prospect of bowling. “It’s so boring,” Stokes said. “It makes the fielding session seem so much longer. Obviously, if you bowl 10 overs it kind of takes 20 overs out of the game for you. I pride myself on my fielding, so that has kept me switched on.” However, there was no hiding a frustration for Stokes, which England hope will not arise too often.
It was an indication of how highly regarded Stokes has become that he was selected as a pure batsman. The Durham diplomat admitted: “I was a bit surprised I got the nod ahead of Jonny [Bairstow] after his Test series against Pakistan – and South Africa. He has shown amazing form. At the same time, it’s nice to get confidence from your captain and coach saying they want me to play as a specialist batsman. So I have wanted to make sure I got some runs in the first two matches.”
For all the apparent bluster, Stokes, like the vast majority of cricketers, needs bolstering occasionally. He responds well to expressions of confidence and to being given additional responsibility. Moreover, the brief opportunity to concentrate solely on his batting has led to more consideration of how best to go about his business. In the last 12 months he has improved significantly against spin bowling.
“I think sometimes I have been drawn into trying to be too aggressive too early,” Stokes said. “I have learnt that I can give myself time. I don’t need to be going out reverse-sweeping for six and four straightaway. Singles can be just as important as boundaries, rotating the strike and not letting the bowlers settle. I have also worked hard on my defensive game after the UAE tour, where I struggled against spin especially.”
Wise words from a maturing cricketer. But let us hope that he has not forgotten the joy of smashing the ball all around the ground – after appropriate reconnaissance. I doubt this is the case. At Lord’s on Saturday he played the only skittish innings of the day – 42 runs from 30 balls – and he will hope to proceed at a similar rate in Nottingham, ideally in addition to producing 10 hostile overs for a grateful captain. We do not want Stokes being too sensible.
