Ashes exile Ben Stokes ‘no Donald Bradman’, jokes Kiwi foe ahead of return to cricket in New Zealand
Suspended Englishman still waiting to learn if he will be allowed to feature during the Ashes
Suspended England all-rounder Ben Stokes will make an unlikely debut at New Zealand’s tiny Rangiora Recreation Ground this weekend, and his opponents insist they will not be overawed.
“He’s just another player at the end of the day. It’s not like Don Bradman is walking out to bat,” deadpanned Otago’s Jimmy Neesham ahead of the much anticipated fixture.
Needing to stay match-fit in case a police investigation clears the way for a last-minute Ashes call-up, Stokes decided to take the road to Rangiora.
The 26-year-old is used to being England’s main man, but Otago coach Rob Walter backed his players against one of the best all-round talents currently in the game.
“It’s about being smart and bowling our best balls to him like we would to any other batter,” Walter said.