Share

Stokes just wants to be himself

London - Ben Stokes is flattered by comparisons with former England captain Andrew Flintoff but would prefer forging his own path while helping his team win more matches, the all-rounder has said.

Stokes was adjudged player of the match as England beat South Africa by 239 runs in the third Test at the Oval to go 2-1 up in the four-match series. 

The 26-year-old hit a sparkling 112 in England's first innings and took three wickets in the match, prompting paceman Stuart Broad to compare Stokes with Flintoff. 

"I don't really know what to say to that," Stokes told reporters. "It's always nice being compared to that guy and some of the spells he produced for England were amazing to watch. But I am not trying to be anyone other than myself." 

Flintoff played 79 Tests for England, averaging 31.77 with the bat and took 226 wickets. Stokes has already matched the 39-year-old in scoring five Tests centuries. 

It might, however, not be a fair comparison between both all-rounders, with Stokes being a better batsman while Flintoff was more effective with the ball. 

"All I'm trying to do is produce the moments for the team that can swing it our way and mean we are going to win," Stokes said. 

"I am not trying to live up to anyone else's reputation. I am trying to do what I do and keep on putting in good performances."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
How much would you be prepared to pay for a ticket to watch the Springboks play against the All Blacks at Ellis Park or Cape Town Stadium this year?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
R0 - R200
33% - 1817 votes
R200 - R500
32% - 1777 votes
R500 - R800
19% - 1083 votes
R800 - R1500
8% - 461 votes
R1500 - R2500
3% - 187 votes
I'd pay anything! It's the Boks v All Blacks!
5% - 254 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE