Botham tips Ben Stokes to be next Flintoff during return Ashes

Former cricketer Sir Ian Botham has said that England player Ben Stokes could become an England Ashes hero this winter, following in Freddie Flintoff's footsteps after shedding his cricketing bad boy image.

According to The Daily Star, Botham and England bowling coach David Saker believe Stokes may have the skill and potential to fill the crucial No.6 all-rounder's spot in both forms of the game.

This is despite the fact Stokes still needs to break into Alastair Cook's team and that he is still learning his trade at international level, the report said.

Stokes' England dreams looked to be over when he was sent home early from the Lions tour to Australia at the start of the year following a late-night drinking incident, the report said.

However, Stokes kept his head down and vowed to become what England is desperate for him to become the new Freddie, the report added.

Botham said that from what he had seen, Stokes had much to offer the side and could be a great all-rounder.