Former England captain Kevin Pietersen has effectively compared Newlands hero Ben Stokes to Indian talisman Virat Kohli.
All-rounder Stokes struck 47 and 74 – and claimed three key fourth-innings wickets – in England‘s dramatic 189-run victory over South Africa in the second Test Cape Town recently. The result squared the four-match series one-all ahead of the third Test will be played at St George's Park in Port Elizabeth.
Pietersen on Stokes and Kohli
“Stokes is what he is. He's riding on the crest of a wave at the moment and long may it continue. His impact massively reminds me of Andrew Flintoff,” Pietersen told Betway.
“He gets the crowd going as soon as he gets hold of the ball and he brings that intensity. He put the pedal down on day four with the bat and then with the ball he was outstanding. His slip catching is also exceptional. He's absolutely the best all-round cricketer in the world.
“Kohli is the number one player. He is a freak show. But in terms of all-round capabilities, Stokes is the best.”
Stokes and Kohli will likely oppose each other during the T20 World Cup in Australia later this year. India and England have been grouped together, alongside South Africa, Afghanistan and two qualifying teams.
England won the World Twenty20 (since renamed the T20 World Cup) in 2010. India won the inaugural tournament in 2007. Their 2020 T20 World Cup fixture will be at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on 1 November.
Stokes and Kohli will also likely play against each other during the 2020 Indian Premier League. Kohli is still the captain of the Royal Challengers Bangalore, who will be in pursuit of a maiden title. Stokes will represent the Rajasthan Royals, who won the first IPL in 2008.
Stokes will be accompanied by England team-mates Tom Curran, Jofra Archer and Jos Buttler in the Royals squad. They also have former Australia captain Steven Smith and South African batsman David Miller, who has joined from the Kings XI Punjab.
While Buttler and Archer are currently with the Test squad in South Africa, current is part of the Sydney Sixers' 2019-20 Big Bash League campaign in Australia.
