Tuesday 1 August 2017 18:36, UK
Ben Stokes believes his confidence and fitness has improved greatly in recent weeks, following early-season knee problems.
The Durham all-rounder has played a major role in the current Test series between England and South Africa, with the hosts taking a 2-1 lead following victory at The Oval on Monday.
Stokes has taken seven wickets from the most recent two Tests, while hitting his third international ton of the summer during England's first innings last week.
Looking back on the season so far, he said: "It's been tough work over the last probably six or seven weeks.
"Since the knee trouble I had at the start of the summer in the one-dayers, I found it quite tough to get back to my best, rhythm-wise and pace-wise.
"The big confidence boost was that long spell I bowled at Trent Bridge.
"It's all about now, making sure I keep that hard work up and not resting on my laurels just because I've had a couple of decent spells."
And Stokes is keen to play down all comparisons with England great Andrew Flintoff, adding: "It's always nice getting compared to that guy.
"Some of the spells he produced when playing for England were amazing to watch.
"I've always said that when the comparisons started flying at me I'm not trying to be anyone else except myself.
The big confidence boost was that long spell I bowled at Trent Bridge.
"As long as I can produce the moments for the team that swing it our way, and it means we're going to win, that's all I'm trying to do.
"I'm not trying to live up to anyone else's reputation or anything like that. I'm just trying to do what I do and trying to keep putting in good performances."
