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Internet Desk: England all-rounder Ben Stokes says Australia and Rising Pune Supergiant Captain Steve Smith’s batting tips was vital in helping him improve as a player after a highly successful debut season in the lucrative Indian Premier League.
After the tournament ended on Sunday, Stokes was named IPL’s Most Valuable Player with 12 wickets and 316 runs in 12 games helping Pune reach the finals before he returned to England for international duty.
“I felt like my game has got a lot better, from being able to work with the best players around the world and specialist coaches in that format,” Stokes told British media as he continues preparations for next month’s Champions Trophy.
“My bowling has gone up another level, working with Eric Simons, from South Africa (Pune’s bowling coach). Being able to work on those skills for six weeks was a really good thing.”
Stokes will line up against Pune captain Smith in the Ashes later this year and he was all praise for Smith after they had practiced together.
“I remember doing a batting session with him, with some power-hitting towards the end,” Stokes said.
“The guy I’ll actually be playing against in the Ashes was helping me, something you’d never fathom when we’re playing against each other. The IPL is probably the only place where you would get that.”
Stokes did not play in the IPL final, which Pune lost to the Mumbai Indians by one run, as he was recalled to the England squad for a three-match one-day international series against South Africa starting on May 24.