It’s not like Don Bradman is walking out to bat, says Jimmy Neesham on Ben Stokes

New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham has shrugged off the hype around Ben Stokes’ debut in the domestic circuit of the country. The England all-rounder is all set to feature for Canterbury on Sunday against Otago which will also mark his first competitive match in last two months. He was signed by Canterbury earlier this week and is being speculated as he is preparing for Ashes call-up. However, Neesham feels Stokes is not Don Bradman and there is no need to talk so much about his participation in the tournament.

Stokes has been suspended by England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for his alleged involvement in the street brawl outside the club in Bristol in September. Avon and Somerset police recently cleared that they have completed the investigation of the case and are seeking charging advice now. There is a possibility that Stokes might be relieved from the case and might get an Ashes call-up ahead of the third Test in Perth on December 14.

He is just another player for us

Jimmy Neesham, who features for Otago, played down all the hype around Ben Stokes and termed him as just another player. “He’s just another player at the end of the day. It’s not like Don Bradman is walking out to bat,” he was quoted as saying by stuff.co.nz. The coach of Otago, Rob Walter also believed that the 26-year-old could be dismissed easily and hoped that his bowlers bowl their best deliveries to him.

“It’s about being smart and bowling our best balls to him like we would to any other batter. He can also get out. It’s not as if he’s never got out in his life. We’ve got just as much chance of getting him out,” he said. All the eyes will be on Stokes when he will come out on the field after a long time. His performance will be analysed thoroughly as there are speculations that he might open the bowling for Canterbury.