Ben Stokes’ new role endorsed by Zak Crawley at The Hundred

Managing his fitness for the Ashes in Australia, Stokes opted out of competing in the fifth edition of The Hundred. However, Stokes has joined the Andrew Flintoff-coached Northern Superchargers as a mentor. A shoulder injury ruled Stokes out of the deciding Test as England ended the five-match series in a stalemate.

Joining the Northern Superchargers camp while starting his rehab, Stokes is assisting head coach Andrew Flintoff for the team’s entire campaign. England opener Crawley spoke to National World about Stokes’ new role after Northern Superchargers outclassed Welsh Fire at Headingley.

Stokes’ new coaching gig thrills Crawley

“He is the assistant coach. He helps us out, advises on whatever he can. Obviously, very experienced player, all formats. He is gonna be a mentor. So yeah, it’s gonna be great for us,” Crawley said. The England opener played a scintillating knock in his debut game for the Northern Superchargers in Leeds.

'Tough series against India'

Despite his patchy form, Crawley was undroppable for England in the recently concluded Test series against India. The Englishman amassed 290 runs in five Tests and averaged just over 32. “It was a tough series against India, but I feel that all these teams playing in The Hundred are high quality. So, I’m going to be at my best,” Crawley added.

Crawley was at his best as the England opener smashed his career-best score in The Hundred. Crawley’s unbeaten 67 from 38 balls powered Brook’s Northern Superchargers to an eight-wicket win over Welsh Fire in Leeds.

Test-like batting in Hundred

“Freddie (Flintoff) told us before the game to enjoy ourselves out there. Great performance by the boys. I feel I found some form at the back of the Test series (against India). I tried to play strong shots on a good pitch. I didn’t feel too different; there were a couple of times when I played a bit differently, but most of my shots are Test-like," Crawley concluded.