Michael Atherton believes Cumbrian all-rounder Ben Stokes "could easily move up to No.4 or No.5" in the future.

Cockermouth's Stokes has played a crucial role in helping England move into a 2-0 lead in their five-match One-Day International [ODI] series against the West Indies, ahead of tomorrow's fourth game of the series at the Kia Oval.

The all-rounder, who currently bats at six, took three wickets and delivered the winning runs as Eoin Morgan's side won the first match by seven wickets.

He then struck a half-century in Sunday's victory at Gloucestershire's Bristol County Ground. The second ODI was abandoned after 14 balls.

Despite Stokes' 73, it was fellow all-rounder Moeen Ali who was the star of the England innings on Sunday, striking a rapid century.

"He has taken his own game on," former England captain Atherton said. "I think that's the impressive thing about Ben Stokes, he's someone who is constantly learning and looking to improve.

"With cricketers like Stokes, you sometimes think of natural ability, brute force and strength, you don't necessarily always think of them as thinking cricketers or cricketers who are looking to develop and expand their game. But I think he is.

"I've watched him as a batsman now over the last two years and if you look at his play against spin, his defensive technique against spin, the range and adaptability of strokes that he's got now - we saw him play a reverse sweep for four so it's not just the power strokes down the ground he's got.

"I think technically, after Joe Root, he's as pure a technical player as England have got. He keeps it very simple, he stands still and has lovely rhythm and flow about his game.

"He drives when it is full, he pulls and cuts when it's short and, as I say, he is improving against spin all the time."

"I don't think they should move him from six [in Tests] because at the moment he is a genuine all-rounder and you want his bowling as well. That is a critical part of his game," Atherton added to Sky Sports .

"But I think eventually, as the physical wear and tear of the game takes its toll on his body, and as his bowling starts to become a second suit, he could easily move up to No.4 or No.5."

England will announce their Ashes squad tomorrow, with Stokes almost certain to be selected.