Stokes has a history of standing up when team’s under pressure: Buttler

Leading into the 2023 ODI World Cup, there were a lot of debates on whether 32-year-old all-rounder Ben Stokes was causing disharmony to the balance of the English setup. While the losses at the beginning signalled something on the horizon, the performances ever after have signalled Stokes’ calibre. 

After starting the tournament with a 5 against South Africa, Stokes began to grow with the bat in the tournament, with scores of 64 and 108 against Australia and the Netherlands in back-to-back games. England skipper Jos Buttler credited Stokes, saying that the all-rounder has had a history of standing up when the team has been under pressure. 

“Yes, absolutely. He (Stokes) wants the moments of getting us into semi-finals and trying to win finals as well. But anytime you need someone to stand up and the team's under pressure, he's had a history of always doing that for whoever he's playing for. So, yeah, we're very lucky to have him in the team. And I thought his innings today was exceptional,” Buttler was in all praise for Stokes after the match against the Netherlands. 

England have been poor at this year’s competition, with just two wins - one against Bangladesh and now against the Netherlands. Buttler admitted that this win on Wednesday (November 8) was really pleasing. 

“Yeah, really pleased. It's been a frustrating time, not winning the games of cricket or playing as well as we'd like, so yeah, delighted with the win today. I thought Malan got us off to a great start and then the partnership from Stokes and Woakes was brilliant to get us up to a really good score,” he added.

At 192/6 after Dawid Malan’s 87, the Three Lions were staring at a situation where they could have easily been bowled out for under 250. But then a 129-run partnership between Stokes and Chris Woakes (51) took England past the 300-run mark, and eventually turned out to be the difference between the two sides. 

“I think the start is always pleasing - I thought Malan played really well at the top and got us away and yeah absolutely for that partnership between Stokes and Woakes at a really crucial time for us, two guys who've performed really, really well put together a brilliant partnership and they just they managed it really well,” Buttler said. 

“They were very smart they took good options when it was on and yeah to end up with that score from the position we were in when we lost those wickets in the middle there, I thought it was a great effort.”

Stokes’ record at the Maharashtra Cricket Stadium (MCA) in Pune is one to look out for. The South Paw scored his maiden IPL century at the venue and had a 99 against India in Pune. Buttler reckoned that it is a venue that the all-rounder enjoys playing. 

“Yeah, potentially. I think his first IPL he got a 100 here, didn't he? And a few years ago, he was out on 99 in an ODI here as well. So yes, obviously a ground he likes playing at and that's great for us today,” he added.

With crucial two points over the Netherlands, England have increased their chances of making it to the 2025 Champions Trophy, but up next after this World Cup for them are the West Indies. Buttler assured that he would captain the team during that tour. 

“Yeah, I'd like to. I know Rob Key arrives into India today, I think. So, yeah, we can have some good conversations with him and the coach and everyone and make a plan for that tour. But yeah, I'd like to.”