Alongside Sam Curran, Stone has been the pick of England's bowlers against South Africa, taking three wickets and conceding five runs per over
Olly Stone is prepared to bowl through the middle overs, a role previously held by Liam Plunkett, if it earns him a spot in England's World Cup squad.
Alongside Sam Curran, Stone has been the pick of England's bowlers against South Africa, taking three wickets and maintaining an economy under a run-a-ball during the first two matches of the series.
Indeed, since returning to the ODI XI against Australia in November 2022, ending a four-year absence, he has collected seven wickets in four outings.
In both matches in South Africa, he's been forced to wait for his turn with the ball. In the first ODI, he was introduced into the attack in the 22nd over, taking a wicket with his first ball, and delivered a five-over spell before returning in the final 10. In the second ODI, his first involvement was in the 12th over.
Stone in action against South Africa [Alex Davidson/Getty Images]
Plunkett occupied a similar role as England's middle-order enforcer in the lead up to the 2019 Cricket World Cup triumph. During that tournament, he bowled 56 overs in seven matches, taking 11 wickets and conceding 4.85 runs per over.
"It's not something I've been used to; I've always been used to bowling up the top and at the death, but any way in the England team, I'll snap someone's hand off," Stone said of bowling in the middle overs.
"It's great to be out there, great to be performing and if that's the role I'll feature in the future then I'll happily do it.
Reflecting on England's performances in South Africa, he added: "We haven't played our greatest cricket. We've not had the all-round performance that we want but there's some positives to take forward.
"We'll go into tomorrow giving it our all and hopefully we can win the final game and finish the series on a positive note.
Liam Plunkett controlled the middle overs for England during their 2019 World Cup triumph [Michael Steele/Getty Images]
"Personally, that it's nice to be out there and showing people what I can deliver. Every series, you're obviously aiming for, the World Cup is a big one that we're all pushing towards and hopefully some performances get that call."
Stone, who has also been included in England's Test squad to face New Zealand in February, has struggled with stress fractures in recent years but cites Jimmy Anderson's longevity as inspiration that he has a lot more to give.
Still only 29, Stone has played three Tests, eight ODIs and one T20I for England, but hasn't featured in the longest format since June 2021.
"I've obviously struggled with injuries in the past, hopefully I can tag that on at the end of my career and do something similar to what Jimmy's done - he's obviously a freak," he said. "I could go a bit longer than maybe I would have if I'd had a bit of cricket under my belt."
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