BEN STOKES has been given a new nickname by the man returning to skipper South Africa – The Dragon.
It is all because superstar all-rounder Stokes turns into a fire-breathing monster when roused.
The revelation comes from Faf du Plessis, 32, who reclaims the Proteas’ captaincy after missing the First Test to see his first child being born.
Du Plessis was a team-mate of Stokes during his spell with Rising Pune Supergiant in the Indian Premier League earlier this year.
At Lord’s, Stokes was the target of the foul-mouthed abuse that earned Kagiso Rabada a one-match ban.
Rabada can be added to a list of top players including India’s Virat Kohli and West Indies’ Marlon Samuels who have clashed with Stokes.
Du Plessis said: “I would not expect KG to apologise to the team.
“It shows what he’s made of and is desperate to do well for his country.
MOST READ IN SPORT
“Ben is just as fiery, that is what makes him so competitive. I called him ‘The Dragon’ in the IPL because that’s what he is – he breathes fire when he gets angry.
“It’s important to have characters like that when you are fighting for your country.”
But England head coach Trevor Bayliss said: “In this day, with stump mics, the boys have to be careful, especially if that type of language is going into lounges and you have kids hearing it.”
Bayliss also revealed how he and Joe Root have managed to play mind games with Moeen Ali.
After three years as England’s No 1 spinner, Bayliss and Root have taken to telling Moeen he is the No 2 slow man.
The plan is to allow the Worcestershire all-rounder to play freely - and it certainly worked because he scored 87 and took ten wickets in the 211-run First Test win.
Bayliss said: “It takes the pressure off him.
“Mo is a complex character at times. If he goes in as second spinner, it doesn’t mean he can’t be the best spinner.
“Liam keeps it tight, which allows Mo to attack at the other end.”
Leave a comment