BEN STOKES backs opener Rory Burns to be a hit with England for years to come.
After a solid Ashes, the Surrey star, 29, cemented his top-order status with a second Test century and an average of 61.33 in Englands recent series defeat against New Zealand.
Stokes told talkSPORT: We have found a gem in Rory. He is going to have a long future.
He is similar to Alastair Cook in the way he operates, occupying the crease and looking to spend time out in the middle to score his runs.
When we first saw him train with us in Sri Lanka, although he didnt get off to a great start and get the big runs, there was something about him that you could say, Yes, he is a Test match opening batsman.
That hundred he got in The Ashes was fantastic, he got a brilliant hundred in New Zealand, too.
‘HE’S GOT EVERYTHING’
He has got everything there to be a successful opener for England over a long period.
Burns was joined by Dom Sibley in New Zealand as Englands selectors bid to find a stable opening partnership in the mould of the retired Cook and Andrew Strauss.
Despite an encouraging 22 on debut, Sibley, 24, scored just 38 runs in three innings.
But Stokes added: Dom has got the key things and the basic things to be a successful opener.
You need to give players like that time to take that next step, to understand what changes they need to make with their technique because the wickets are different and the bowlers are quicker in Test match cricket.
Stokes is favourite to be crowned the BBC Sports Personality of the Year at Sundays ceremony in Aberdeen after a summer in which he inspired England to World Cup glory and provided a match-winning performance against Australia at Headingley.
The all-rounder has called for patience with Jofra Archer.
The fast bowler burst on to the scene this year with a string of devastating displays but encountered a difficult time in New Zealand, finishing with two wickets at an average of 104.50.
Stokes added: When you achieve what he achieved in such a short space of time you are expected to do it day in, day out but that is impossible.
He is 24. He is still learning how to bowl properly in different conditions.
You have to afford him leeway. You cannot expect him to take 4-50 in every innings.
