England’s CWC match-winner Ben Stokes was enjoying his warm-up at Newlands Cricket Ground ahead of the whiteball series against South Africa at the end of November 2020.

During a middle net Stokes have Proteas captain Quinton de Kock a clue for where to position his fielders at Newlands: Row 7!

Stokes’ hip and should rotation through the shot are so powerful, but note how he keeps his head forward and above his front foot – no leaning back looking for power, he pushes into the shot for more power. And what about that draw as the ball flies into the Railway Stand. If you look carefully on the super slow mo you can see how it rebounds high back onto the field.

It’s easier in practice than in a match (especially a match in which Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi and Anrich Nortje are steaming in at you), but Stokes has certainly shown he has what it takes in the big occasions to win big matches – The Ashes, Cricket World Cup Final.

The South African side has great talent, but the England whiteball side is ferocious and packed with high-performing talent and should be favourites to take both series.

By the way, is there a better sound in cricket than a ball struck so sweet? Memories of Klusener, Kuiper & Pollock (G!) at Newlands. So sad that the crowd won’t be in attendance, but it’s important to stay safe in the face of the pandemic.

Footage: ECB