Flintoff tips 'skillful' Ben Stokes for greatness

Former England cricketer Andrew Flintoff has backed Ben Stokes, saying that the all-rounder is a more talented player than he was and has all qualities to become one of the country's great.

Stokes proved his match-winning skills when he scored 92 and 101 against New Zealand at Lord's before he dismissed Kane Williamson and Brendon McCullum in successive balls to help England to victory.

Describing Stokes as an 'impact and personality player', Flintoff said the all-rounder is capable of surpassing his own achievements, the BBC reported.

Flintoff played a prominent role in England's first Ashes series victory for 18 years in 2005 as he claimed 24 wickets and accumulated 402 runs.

Flintoff said he survived a lot on bravado but insisted that Stokes has a lot more skill, and could be one of England's greats. He added that the all-rounder could influence two or three games in the upcoming Ashes series.

England will host Australia in the first Test at Cardiff on July 8 and Stokes is expected to reprise Flintoff's feat to avenge a 5-0 Ashes whitewash in the last year.