Alastair Cook has hailed Ben Stokes as a rare talent after the all-rounder’s man of the match performance helped England secure a 22-run victory in the first Test against Bangladesh at Chittagong.
Going into a tense final morning where the hosts needed 33 runs for a famous first Test win over England, Stokes nipped out the two wickets required to wrap up the match in England’s favour.
But the England captain was quick to point out Stokes’ earlier crucial contribution with the bat too, as he praised the special cricketer.
"It's not just ball in hand but the way he batted [when scoring 85] too," said Cook.
"Ben just balances the side for us. It allows us to play the extra seamer in these conditions. These cricketers don't come around very often.
“He might have all that skill and talent but he has an enormous heart as well. He's a seriously good cricketer. You can't get the ball out of his hand. I’d rather have him that way.”
How good was @benstokes38?! Runs and wickets for our man of the match. #BanvEng pic.twitter.com/gBuPGYNu4g
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) October 24, 2016
Team-mate and vice captain Joe Root also singled Stokes out for special mention after the all-rounder finished the Test with combined figures of 6-46 and 103 runs.
Root believes Stokes is still improving following his second innings knock of 85 that held England together and provided the base from which they were able to set Bangladesh a challenging total of 286 to chase.
"Ben Stokes has been fantastic," said Root.
"He is getting better and better and more confident. He is a natural leader on the field. Always 100 per cent. People want to play with him. You know things are going to happen.
"There are times when it doesn't quite work for him but then there are games like this when it comes off. The best thing about him is that even when it doesn't work he is the first one putting his hand up and wanting the ball back."