Ben Stokes is the No.1 Test all-rounder in the world: VVS Laxman

An all-rounder is always an important cog of any Test team. An all-rounder contributes with both bat and ball for his side, and any team would love to have players who are adept at every department of the game.

And batting legend VVS Laxman has offered his opinion regarding the best all-rounder in world cricket at present. According to Laxman, Ben Stokes is the best all-rounder in the world, followed by Jason Holder. VVS Laxman slotted Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja at third place.

Laxman added that Ravindra Jadeja displayed a temperament to be successful in challenging conditions against a quality bowling attack in the first Test against England. Laxman further stressed that a great all-rounder is someone who can walk into the playing XI either as a pure batsman or a bowler. The batting legend opined that Jadeja does not do so in the whites.

“For me, Ben Stokes is the No.1 Test all-rounder, No.2 would be Jason Holder, and No.3 will be Ravindra Jadeja, The way Jadeja batted in the first Test match shows that he has got a lot of change in his temperament and mindset, and is displaying better temperament to be successful in trying conditions against quality fast bowlers.

But for me, a great all-rounder is one who straightaway walks into the playing XI either as a batsman or a bowler. Jadeja does not do that,” said Laxman as quoted by Cricinfo.

VVS Laxman offers his thoughts on Ben Stokes and Jason Holder

VVS Laxman further elaborated more on Ben Stokes and Jason Holder. The batting icon opined that while Ben Stokes walks into the England Test side just as a pure batsman, Jason Holder does so as a pure bowler for the West Indies. Laxman concluded by once again reiterating that Stokes is the No.1 all-rounder in Test match cricket at the moment.

“Ben Stokes automatically walks into the England side just as a pure batsman, and it is the other way round for Jason Holder. Even if Jason Holder does not contribute with the bat, he walks into that West Indies side as a pure bowler. Whereas with Ravindra Jadeja, you find him giving that valuable contribution with the bat, with the ball, and he is a livewire on the field. But for me, Ben Stokes is the No.1 all-rounder in the world,” concluded Laxman.