Stokes terms Foakes ‘world-class’ wicketkeeper amid talks of Buttler return

LONDON: England Test captain Ben Stokes has branded wicketkeeper batsman Ben Foakes “world class” following his winning partnership with Joe Root in the recently concluded Lord’s Test.

Foakes, who returned to the team after a dismal performance by the English side at Ashes, was unsure of his place in the squad as the 29-year-old failed to make an impact with his bat.

However, in the recently concluded Lord’s Test, Foakes went some way to justifying his selection as he showed his potential and made a crucial contribution with the bat by launching an undefeated 120-run partnership with Root.

England captain Stokes was full of praise for the performance of his wicketkeeper batsman, calling him the best in the world.

“We’re not in the position of not drafting world-class players right now,” Stokes said. “Ben is the best goalkeeper in the world.

“That’s not just my own opinion, it’s the opinions of many people. Batting at seven, which he does for England, is different from the role he plays for Surrey because he hits higher,” Stokes said.

The all-rounder further praised Foakes’ brilliance behind the wicket, stating that his presence gives him and the bowlers a lot of confidence.

“Having a glover like Ben behind the stumps gives me a lot of confidence, and it gives bowlers a lot of confidence, knowing that nine times out of 10, he’s going to take whatever comes his way,” Stokes said.

“He’s only going to get better with the confidence he has, and like I said, he’s the best goalkeeper in the world and it’s great to have him behind the stumps.”

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