Simon Jones has claimed that England all-rounder Ben Stokes has the potential to achieve more success on the international stage than Andrew Flintoff.
Stokes will be under pressure to play a key role in this summer's Ashes series, and Jones believes that the 24-year-old can emulate Flintoff, whose fine performances against Australia in 2005 were the highlight of an impressive career with England.
"Stokesey can be one of the best players in the world," Jones is quoted as saying by the Daily Star. "His batting is unbelievable, he's a great fielder too and he can run up and bowl 90mph. What a special talent.
"Freddie was special but look at Stokes. His technique is far more sound and he's a better batsman.
"The bowling is very similar - Fred probably edges it - but Stokes is only going to improve with the ball. He's 24 now and he's only going to get better and better."
Stokes averages 34.15 with the bat in Test cricket and he has taken 29 wickets in 11 matches in the longest format.
Callum Mulvihill
