Adelaide Strikers head coach Tim Paine has shared his views regarding what could be an ideal role for Ben Stokes in BBL|16 after the former England captain signed a one-year deal with full-season availability. The blockbuster signing is reportedly worth close to $500,000 and could give Adelaide a major boost heading into the new Big Bash League campaign.
Tim Paine reacts on potential role for Ben Stokes ahead of BBL|16
Stokes is set to bring his vast international experience to the Big Bash after committing to the Adelaide Strikers for the upcoming season. Paine has already begun considering how best to utilise the star all-rounder, with an opening role emerging as the most likely option.
Speaking to 7News, Paine explained that Stokes’ skill set could make him particularly effective at the top of the order on Australian pitches.
“Stokes gives us a lot of flexibility. I think initially my chats around how we would use him would probably be opening the batting. I think he’s made to open the batting in Big Bash,” said Paine.
The former Australia Test captain also believes the conditions in Australia could play into Stokes’ hands. The pace and bounce traditionally associated with many Australian surfaces could allow the left-hander to make full use of his aggressive strokeplay.
“He can play 360 degrees. He has got power. He has got some real class,” Paine added.
Potential pairing with Matt Short?
If Paine follows through with his plans, Stokes could form an exciting opening combination with Adelaide captain Matt Short. He has established himself as one of the leading performers in the BBL and has won the Player of the Tournament award twice. Paine is particularly enthusiastic about the possibility of pairing him with Stokes, despite the contrasting styles of the two batters.
“I love that combination,” Paine said, highlighting the quality and variety the duo could bring to the Strikers’ top order.
The coach also stressed that Adelaide have several alternatives available and will continue assessing how the pieces fit together before finalising their best combination.
Stokes brings proven match-winning credentials
Stokes arrives in the BBL with a résumé few players can match. Across his international career, he accumulated more than 11,000 runs and 19 centuries, including a career-best 258 in Test cricket and 182 in ODIs. His T20 record also includes two IPL hundreds. He smashed an unbeaten 107 off 60 deliveries for Rajasthan Royals in 2020, while his 103 off 63 balls for Rising Pune Supergiant came in 2017.
With the ball, Stokes has claimed 352 international wickets, including career-best figures of 6/22. His ability to contribute in multiple disciplines is precisely what makes him such an attractive addition for Adelaide.
Adelaide land one of BBL’s biggest names
The Strikers secured Stokes after he reportedly attracted interest from the Sydney Sixers and Melbourne Renegades. His decision to join Adelaide represents one of the headline moves ahead of BBL|16. Stokes retired from international cricket earlier this year, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable career spanning more than 15 years. Among his defining moments was his unbeaten 84 in England’s dramatic 2019 ODI World Cup final triumph over New Zealand.
Now, a new chapter awaits in Australia. If Paine’s plans materialise, BBL fans could soon see Stokes walking out to open the innings and taking on some of the competition’s best bowling attacks.
