Former captain Ben Stokes (image: IANS)

Ben Stokes is set to make his mark in the Big Bash League with the Adelaide Strikers, and coach Tim Paine believes the England all-rounder could be particularly effective if he opens the batting.Stokes’ one-year deal with the Strikers was confirmed on Tuesday, making him available for the entire BBL season. Paine believes the 35-year-old can make an impact across all three departments while also bringing his leadership experience to the side. The Strikers had Matt Short and Chris Lynn as their regular opening combination last season, but Lynn is currently off contract, meaning the pair could be split up even if he returns to the franchise.

Paine backs Stokes to open in BBL

Paine sees Stokes as an ideal candidate to take the new ball with the bat, particularly on Australia’s traditionally pace-friendly and bouncy pitches.“Stokes gives us a lot of flexibility. I think initially my chats around how we would use him would probably be opening the batting. I think he's made to open the batting in Big Bash. I think the pacy, bouncy wickets in Australia really suit him,” Paine said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.The former Australia captain also highlighted Stokes’ ability to attack all areas of the ground and change the momentum of an innings almost instantly.“I have been on the end of a couple of these devastating innings in Test cricket where you feel like you cannot defend the field. He can play 360 degrees. He has got power. He has got some real class,” he added.Although Stokes has opened in only 16 of his 148 T20 innings, the numbers suggest he is at his most productive in that role. He averages 36.53 and has a strike rate of 138.48 as an opener. One of his two T20 centuries also came while opening, when he smashed an unbeaten 107 off 60 balls for Rajasthan Royals in the 2020 IPL. His other T20 century came for Rising Pune Supergiant in 2017, when he scored 103 off 63 deliveries.However, much of Stokes’ T20 career has seen him bat at No. 3, 4 or 5. He has not played a T20 match since The Hundred in 2024, where he managed only four runs across three innings.“I think he can do a terrific job opening the batting. Playing pretty normally, as we have seen in the past, he can flick a switch, and he has got amazing power. His skill level with the bat and his play of spin, he has just a well-rounded, world-class batter. We think that is probably the best fit for him and for us,” Paine said.

Stokes can make impact with ball too

Paine also believes Stokes could have an impact with the ball, suggesting his pace and ability to move the ball could make him a useful option in different phases of an innings.“He is a bit quicker than people think. He has got great skill. He can swing the ball both ways. We feel like we can use him in all phases of the game with the ball as well. He will impact in the field with his athleticism and just the way he competes,” he said.Stokes has taken 352 wickets for England across international cricket, with his best figures of 6/22 highlighting his ability to produce decisive spells.