Alec Stewart, former England wicket-keeper, recently showered praise on Ben Foakes for his outstanding performance in the ongoing Test series against India. According to Stewart, Foakes’ glovework is unparalleled, and he went on to compare him to the legendary MS Dhoni, stating that Foakes is currently faster behind the stumps than the former Indian captain.
In an interview, Stewart highlighted Foakes’ unique abilities, emphasizing his exceptional hand speed, which he claims is the fastest in the game. Stewart acknowledged that while Dhoni had quick hands, Foakes surpasses him in this aspect, with the added advantage of keeping the ball securely in his hands.
Stewart delved into Foakes’ preparation for the series against India, noting the England wicket-keeper’s awareness of the spin-friendly conditions. Foakes tailored his training to focus more on standing up against spin bowling, honing his skills in handling various ball trajectories.
The ex-cricketer was happy with how committed and hardworking Foakes is, especially when it comes to catching challenging deliveries. Stewart shared that they focused on improving Foakes’ technique, talking about where to place his feet, the height of his hands, and the overall game plan. He praised Foakes for putting in a lot of time and effort, emphasizing the many hours of practice that resulted in his outstanding catches during the series.
Stewart also emphasized Foakes’ batting prowess, urging people not to underestimate his abilities with the bat. Despite acknowledging Foakes as the best in the world in his role, Stewart recognized the team’s need for balance, which may have limited Foakes’ Test appearances. Nonetheless, he asserted that Foakes’ batting skills should not be overlooked.
In conclusion, Alec Stewart provided a comprehensive overview of Ben Foakes’ exceptional wicket-keeping skills, highlighting his speed, dedication to training, and all-around cricketing abilities.
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