The return of "freak" talent Ben Stokes to the England set-up will be a big boost to the dressing room, according to batsman Dawid Malan
England all-rounder Ben Stokes
The return of "freak" talent Ben Stokes to the England set-up will be a big boost to the dressing room, according to batsman Dawid Malan. Stokes has boarded a flight to New Zealand and will link up with the national side for the first time in five months when he arrives in Hamilton at the end of the week.
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The all-rounder pleaded not guilty to a charge of affray at Bristol Magistrates Court on Tuesday, the latest development in a story which began with an altercation outside a nightclub in September.
A lot of water has passed under the bridge since, with Stokes sitting out England's 4-0 Ashes defeat, a resounding victory in the one-day campaign and the start of the Trans-Tasman T20 Series. He is not being considered for selection for Sunday's clash against the Black Caps -- which may yet be a dead rubber if the Black Caps beat Australia on Friday and leave England unable to reach the final. but when he does make his long-awaited return to the XI, potentially during the New Zealand ODIs, Malan is sure it can only be good news for his teammates.
"Stokesy is probably one of the best all-rounders in the world, if not the best all-rounder in the world," he said.
"He is pretty much a freak when he gets going. The confidence he brings to the team and the skill set he brings are unbelievable.
Dawid Malan
You know that you have got a match-winner there either with the ball or the bat. To have him and around the team is fantastic, especially in the shorter format. It allows you to balance the team and play another batter or another bowler. Someone like Stokesy is invaluable. When you are batting with him you see how good he actually is and the confidence he has is the main thing. He believes that in any situation he can win the game."
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