Ashes 2019: Ben Stokes’ life will change forever, says Ian Botham | Cricket - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Ashes 2019: Ben Stokes’ life will change forever, says Ian Botham

Reuters | ByReuters
Aug 27, 2019 01:14 PM IST

The 28-year-old’s epic knock evoked memories of Botham’s famous unbeaten century on the same ground in 1981 that sparked an equally unlikely home test triumph and made him an Ashes hero for the ages.

England’s Ben Stokes has become a “world box-office attraction” with his Ashes heroics in the third test against Australia and his life will never be the same again, former all-rounder Ian Botham has said. All-rounder Stokes’ unbeaten 135 at Headingley on Sunday helped the hosts chase down a record target of 359 in dramatic fashion and level the five-match series at 1-1.

England's Ben Stokes celebrates winning the test(Action Images via Reuters)
England's Ben Stokes celebrates winning the test(Action Images via Reuters)

The 28-year-old’s epic knock evoked memories of Botham’s famous unbeaten century on the same ground in 1981 that sparked an equally unlikely home test triumph and made him an Ashes hero for the ages.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

“It changed my life overnight. I think Ben’s life will be the same. He will have no private life. He has to get used to that and so do the family,” Botham told the Daily Telegraph.

ALSO READ: Newcastle manager Steve Bruce backs Ben Stokes for centre-half role

“He is public property but it is a great place to be in for the long term. It will set him up for life. He will reap the rewards which he richly deserves and he is now a world box-office attraction.”

Botham, 63, described Stokes as the “Special One” and said the big-hitting all-rounder’s desire to succeed in the longest format was a welcome sign.

“He will play all the T20 leagues but the refreshing thing about it all is he wants to play test cricket and do well in it. That is the ultimate test,” Botham added.

“Five-day games ebb and flow. We were bowled out for 67 (in the first innings of the third test) and in any other format it’ll be all over. Test cricket gives you room for something extraordinary to happen, and it happened.

“It might take 48 hours to sink in, and he’ll think, ‘I can do it, and I will do it again’. He’s got wood on Australia and I tell you, there’s no better feeling as an England cricketer.”

The fourth test begins at Old Trafford on Sept. 4.

Stay updated with the latest Cricket News, IPL Live Scores, and get exclusive insights with the RR vs DC Live Score, IPL 2024 Schedule, match highlights, and more. Explore a comprehensive Cricket Schedule, track the race for the Purple Cap and Orange Cap in IPL 2024, check Virat Kohli performance and stay ahead with all the cricket-related updates on the Hindustan Times website and app.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On