Former England cricketer Alec Stewart has praised Ben Foakes for his exceptional wicket-keeping skills in the ongoing five-match Test series against India. Alec Stewart also compared Ben Foakes’ glove work to legendary Indian batsman MS Dhoni.

Ben Foakes showed exceptional skills behind the wicket in the first two Tests of the red-ball series in India. The 30-year-old has claimed six dismissals and two defeats, including two notable catches off the bowling of Rehan Ahmed in the Vishakhapatnam Test.

Ben Foakes’ hand speed is second to none – Alec Stewart

Alec Stewart highlighted Ben Foakes’ unrivaled hand speed, ensuring the ball remained secure in his grip. Stewart stated that while MS Dhoni had quick hands, Foakes possessed the quickest in the game.

“He does things that no one else can do. His hand speed is second to none. MS Dhoni had quick hands but Foakes has the quickest hands in the game and the ball stays in them,” Stewart told The Times.

Ben Foakes was not part of England’s last year’s Ashes series at home, where Jonny Bairstow donned the gloves. However, Harry Brook’s retirement for personal reasons opened up a spot in the batting order. Foakes returned to the playing XI for the first match of the series.

He has enormous natural talent – ​​Alec Stewart

Alec Stewart praised Ben Foakes for his outstanding work ethic and highlighted the thoroughness with which he approaches his training and preparation.

“He has enormous natural talent, but his work ethic and attention to detail is as good as I have encountered when I played and since taking on this role. He leaves no stone unturned. He works on specific details and the quality of work is impressive,” Stewart added.

However, the wicketkeeper failed to make an impact with the bat in the ongoing series. The right-handed batsman scored 80 runs in four innings at a disappointing average of 20. He has recorded scores of 4 runs, 34 runs, 6 runs and 36 runs so far in the first two matches.

Ben Foakes is rewarded with some of the catches – Alec Stewart

The 60-year-old expressed his satisfaction with Fokaes’ performance and attributed it to his rigorous training regime designed to excel in spin bowling. Stewart highlighted Fokaes’ skill in handling various ball movements on spin-friendly courts.

The visiting team began the series with a 28-run win in the first Test in Hyderabad. However, the home team bounced back to claim a 106-run victory in the second game, leveling the red-ball series at 1-1. Both teams will hope to win the next game to gain an advantage.

The third Test is scheduled to be held at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot from February 15 to 19.

Also read: “Ben Foakes is a joke” – Rehan Ahmed