Nasser Hussain: Cumbrian Ben Stokes could become the best ODI all-rounder in the world

Stokes, from Cockermouth, was again heavily involved as England beat the West Indies by seven wickets in the first One-Day International of the five-match series on Tuesday before the second ODI was rained off on Thursday.

The all-rounder dismissed wicket-keeper Shai Hope, rival Marlon Samuels and Jerome Taylor to end with figures of 3-43 from his nine overs in the rain-affected first match.

Jonny Bairstow and captain Joe Root led the way for England in their run-chase, although it was Cumbrian Stokes, 26, who delivered the winning runs in style, smashing spinner Ashley Nurse for six.

Former England captain Hussain feels “the potential of Ben Stokes is huge in white-ball cricket”, but doesn’t think he is the best all-rounder in the world just yet.

Writing in his Sky Sports column on who he felt the best ODI all-rounder currently is, Hussain said: “I think I’m going to go for Shakib Al Hasan, actually.

“The potential of Ben Stokes is huge in white-ball cricket. I think Ben Stokes will be challenging in the next year or so to be the best all-rounder in white-ball cricket, without a doubt.”

Hussain added: “Stokes is not a stats man really, but he is a work in progress.

“When it does click completely though, he is just a phenomenon. He will just get better with age because of his attitude and his character. I don’t think Ben is driven by statistics.

“He’ll do nothing for three games and then he will have this performance that is just world-class, doing things that other people cannot do with bat or ball.

“We saw a bit of that in the IPL [Indian Premier League] and that experience will stand him in good stead.

“In terms of potential, I would say Stokes has got what it takes to become the greatest all-rounder.”

Hussain also praised India’s Hardik Pandya.

The third ODI of the series will take place tomorrow, while England's Ashes squad is set to be named on Wednesday with Stokes almost certain to feature in Australia.