Ben Stokes predicts cricket will be just as competitive even if fans are missing

'We are walking out to represent our country, we've got three lions on our chest and there is a game that we are supposed to win'

Ben Stokes is the ultimate competitor. He almost single-handedly won the Headingley Test for England against Australia last summer. PA

Ben Stokes made an unbeaten 84 and guided England to a thrilling super over win over New Zealand at the 2019 World Cup final in London. PA

Ben Stokes topped his World Cup final effort with a sensational 135 not out that handed England an unlikely one-wicket win in the third Ashes Test against Australia at Headingley. PA

Ben Stokes was named man of the match for his performance in the thrilling win over New Zealand in the 2019 World Cup final. AFP

Ben Stokes poses with the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award in Aberdeen. PA

Ben Stokes won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award following a brilliant World Cup and Ashes for England. PA

Nicola Adams, right, and Lizzy Yarnold present Eoin Morgan, second left, the Moment of the Year award. PA

Ben Stokes had a great year in ODI and Test cricket. PA

Ben Stokes's catch to dismiss South Africa's Andile Phehlukwayo at the 2019 World Cup was one of the best catches ever taken. AFP

Eoin Morgan, second left, on stage after England receive the Team of the Year and Moment of the Year awards along side Jason Roy, centre, and Ben Stokes in Aberdeen. PA

Ben Stokes and wife Clare Ratcliffe during the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards in Aberdeen. PA

Eoin Morgan, left, Jason Roy, second left, Ben Stokes, second right, and Gary Lineker. PA

England all-rounder Ben Stokes says playing in closed stadiums would not dampen the competitive side of matches and that players "would do anything" to get cricket back on television screens for fans to watch during the Covid-19 crisis.

England's home series against West Indies scheduled for June has been postponed, with the likelihood of the three Tests being played later in the summer without fans.

When asked if cricket might lose its competitive edge in such an atmosphere Stokes, 28, said that even without fans the players would still be going out to win.

"Think about it, we are walking out to represent our country, we got three lions on our chest and there is a game that we are supposed to win," Stokes told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"So whether it's in front of nobody or, like we are used to, in front of full crowd, I don't think it's going to take that competitive side away.

"It's a completely different scenario to get our heads around, that there isn't going to be the atmosphere or cheering that we're used to when we play international game.

"We would do anything to get cricket back on the TVs and for people to follow and watch. If that means you have to play in front of nobody then so be it," he added.

Stokes, a key part of England's 2019 World Cup triumph, was not sure when cricket would resume but felt bigger issues were at stake.

"We are still not 100 per cent sure when that's going to happen," he said.

"At the end of the day, cricket is just a sport and the safety, health and wellbeing of everybody involved, not just in the team but around cricket community, is important right now."