Adelaide Strikers coach Tim Paine reveals Ben Stokes’ likely role in BBL, praises his ‘360-degree’ game

Former captain Ben Stokes (Image: IANS) Ben Stokes is set to make his mark in the Big Bash League with the Adelaide Strikers and coach Tim Paine believes the England all-rounder could be particularly effective if he opens the batting.Stokes’ one-year contract with the Strikers was confirmed on Tuesday, making him available for the entire BBL season. Paine believes the 35-year-old can make an impact in all three departments while bringing his leadership experience to the side. Last season, the Strikers had Matt Short and Chris Lynn as their regular starting combination, but Lynn is currently out of contract, meaning the pair could split even if they return to the franchise.

Paine backs Stokes to open in BBL

Paine sees Stokes as an ideal candidate to take the new ball with the bat, especially on Australian pitches that are traditionally pace-friendly and bouncy.“Stokes gives us a lot of flexibility. I think initially my chat about how we would use him would probably be to open the batting. I think he is made to open the batting in the Big Bash. I think the quick and bouncy wickets in Australia really suit him,” Paine said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.The former Australia captain also highlighted Stokes’ ability to attack all areas of the ground and change the momentum of an innings almost instantly.“I’ve been at the end of a few of these devastating innings in Test cricket where you feel like you can’t defend the field. He can play 360 degrees. He’s got power. He’s got real class,” he added.Although Stokes has only opened in 16 of his 148 T20 innings, the numbers suggest he is most productive in that role. He averages 36.53 and has a strike rate of 138.48 as an opener. One of his two T20 centuries also came as an opener when he smashed an unbeaten 107 off 60 balls for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2020. His next T20 century came for Rising Pune Supergiant in 2017 when he scored 103 off 63 deliveries.However, much of Stokes’ T20 career has seen him bat at No. 3, 4 or 5. He has not played a T20 match since The Hundred in 2024, where he managed just four runs in three innings.“I think he can do a great job opening the bat. He plays pretty normally, as we’ve seen in the past, he can hit the switch and he’s got tremendous power. His skill level with the bat and his spin, he’s just a well-rounded, top-class batsman. We think that’s probably the best fit for him and for us,” Paine said.

Stokes can make an impact with the ball too

Paine also believes that Stokes could make an impact with the ball, suggesting that his pace and ability to move the ball could make him a useful option at different stages of the innings.“He’s a little bit quicker than people think. He’s got great skills. He can swing the ball both ways. We feel like we can use him in all phases of the ball game. He’s going to impress on the field with his athleticism and the way he competes,” he said.Stokes has taken 352 wickets for England in international cricket, with his best figures of 6/22 highlighting his ability to produce decisive spells.