Stuart Broad hailed Ben Stokes after England regained the Ashes
Saturday 8 August 2015 14:31, UK
Stuart Broad heaped praise on England all-rounder Ben Stokes after the 24-year-old finished with Test-best figures of 6-36 against Australia.
Stokes took the first of a required three wickets on the third day at Trent Bridge as England won by an innings and 78 runs to regain the Ashes.
Broad blew Australia away in the first innings, putting in a man-of-the-match display with figures of 8-15 as the tourists were bowled out for just 60, but the Nottinghamshire bowler pointed to the performance of Stokes as a major influence behind England’s victory.
“That’s the best I’ve ever seen Ben Stokes bowl yesterday and today, he’s had the ball on a piece of string – what an exciting future he’s got for England,” Broad told Sky Sports.
“To deliver that in such a high pressure game was awesome to watch.
“It gives you the luxury of bowling short spells. The wickets we’ve played on which have seamed, you’ve got to fire in for four or five overs then have a rest because if you put the ball there in England it doesn’t really do anything.”
Broad compared Stokes’ role to that of Andrew Flintoff, before praising the younger members of the squad for their impact on England’s new and “exciting” era.
“The balance of the bowling unit has been awesome I think and we haven’t been used to a five-man attack since Freddie was around and it shows how important it is and how it allows each bowler to apply the pressure when they get the ball in their hand.
“It’s been the younger guys who have been leading the team through the likes of Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Mark Wood, Finny (Steven Finn) who have been the guys putting in the performances, not just in this Ashes series, but the New Zealand series and the one-day series that makes England exciting to watch.”
The Ashes - Live
Five-time Ashes winner Ian Bell echoed Broad's sentiments towards the bowling attack, claiming they were the key behind England's Ashes victory.
"It's amazing. Performances from the whole group have been incredible.This one is right up there," said Bell
"The bowlers have set the tone and made it a lot easier for the batsmen. The dressing room has been as good as I've been involved in.
"My batting feels like it's getting back in order, but the bowlers have been key."
England have taken an unassailable 3-1 series lead with one Test to play at the Oval, and you can watch it live on Sky Sports Ashes HD from Thursday 20 August.
