The veteran English all-rounder, Ben Stokes reckons that animated and aggressive body language doesn’t suit England’s brand of cricket while it might work well for Virat Kohli and his Indian team. Stokes was asked about the aggressive approach of the Indian skipper, Virat Kohli, and his in-your-face demeanor while fielding or celebrating a fall of a wicket.

Talking about the same, ahead of the second ODI, Ben Stokes said, “Every team and every player has a certain way of operating in the field, which makes them successful. As a team over the last four-five years, that’s not the way that works for us. We stick to what we do best and what we make is to build a better side. Each team is entitled to their own way of operations. India have there and we have ours.”

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Asked whether he preferred a “nice” or “spiky” Virat, Stokes gave a smart reply: “Personally, I prefer Virat doesn’t get runs, because that’s not good for us.”

After suffering a loss by 66 runs in the first ODI, England is at the risk of losing their numero uno position on the ICC rankings, Stokes said it’s not their driving force. In absence of Joe Root, the England all-rounder was promoted to the No. 3 spot from being a finisher. Stokes revealed that there is no change in his mindset for the new role on suggestion of the designated England No 3.

Ben Stokes eleboarted, “I did actually message Root just asking about his mindset at No 3. He was pretty clear to me and just said ”play the way that you play”. At No 3, potentially, I would be facing 100 balls, compared to maybe 60-70 like I normally do. I haven’t looked to change too much, just might be facing a slightly different situation, especially when I’m starting off my innings.”

With twin injury blows to Eoin Morgan (split webbing) and Sam Billings (collar bone), England will have t hand the maiden ODI cap to Liam Livingstone, four years after he represented the country in T20Is. Stokes is confident that a “fearless” Livingstone would embrace the opportunity if picked for the second ODI.

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The all-rounder asserted, “He’s one of those guys that won’t let the occasion get on top of him if he had that opportunity. He’s a fearless cricketer. He’s got the type of attitude that we want to be involved in our set-up going forward.”