Mark Ramprakash spoke quietly but his words were crystal-clear on a sunny day in Cockermouth. As the Sandair club started to hum with spectators, junior cricketers and the anticipation of Ben Stokes' arrival, England's batting coach reflected glowingly on Cumbria's leading sporting light.

It has, so far, been another dramatic summer for Stokes, who will send the pink ball into West Indies' batting line-up in England's first day-night Test that starts at Edgbaston today. Also with the bat, and the vice-captaincy, Stokes is imposing himself on the international game.

Ramprakash's job is to look for technicalities that others do not spot. Yet even in the forensic analysis of Stokes and England's other players the 47-year-old admitted there are times when he prefers to sit back and enjoy the show.

"Oh, we all admire Ben," Ramprakash said. "Everyone in the coaching and management structure, we love watching good cricket. We're all cricket fans. So we all are so pleased to see the way he's developed, and the way he is thinking about the game."

Stokes played a frontline role in the series victory against South Africa, including an innings of 112 at The Oval which some described as his most mature. It was his fifth Test hundred and, according to the man himself, his hardest-earned.

It was a highlight of a 3-1 series triumph, while the 26-year-old took seven wickets in the series at 43. Earlier, he had made a typically forceful 101 from 79 balls in the one-day international at Southampton.

Also the most expensive player in the recent Indian Premier League, bought by Rising Pune Supergiant for £1.7m, Stokes' all-round qualities earned him recognition as that hectic and colourful tournament's most valuable player.

This astonishing productivity from a player who learned his trade in Cumbria poses challenges, and inevitable comparisons, that Stokes has so far met well. Now a figurehead of the England team, rather than a precocious prospect, seniority appears to suit him.

Ramprakash, a majestic player whose own England career was affected by inconsistent selection and heavy pressure, agreed. "It's never easy for someone who gets so much publicity," he said. "You're in the limelight all the time, receiving so much attention. It's never easy for an individual to handle that.

"But, so far, so good. Ben is still enjoying the game and that's very important. I still think he will have lots of things that he still wants to achieve and improve on, and that's also really helpful. At the same time, he's having fun. If you can marry those two - keep improving and having fun - you're in a pretty good place."

Stokes will be expected to play a powerful role against the West Indies, in this three-match series, and then in the winter, when England defend the Ashes in Australia. There is enough talent in an eyecatching team for the all-rounder not to be burdened with all English hopes, but equally, there can be no disguising Stokes' importance.

It is a lot on his shoulders, but Ramprakash said: "I think Ben doesn’t seem to feel that expectation. First and foremost, he has high standards that he sets himself. The only reason why Ben might get disappointed or frustrated is if he's not reaching the standards he sets for himself. He wants to contribute to the team and the team winning - that's what really is the passion for him."

Last week, another man who represented Cumbria on the international stage - Paul Nixon - suggested the time was approaching when Stokes would need to manage his workload because of the punishing effect of being a premier all-rounder in all forms. He is not the type of character to demand a rest at every opportunity, but Ramprakash agrees that the issue must be looked at carefully.

"It's hugely important in the modern game," he said. "Ben is a very dynamic cricketer. He fields at cover point at times, charges around in the field, he's bowling 15 overs in a day, he's batting and making hundreds. Physically he does have to look after himself.

"It's very important that he has some down-time when he gets the opportunity, makes sure he has some family time, time away from cricket. I'm sure he and the England management will have to make sure he gets the balance right."

That balance must ensure England, and the cricket public, continue to get the best from Stokes. "Ben has a great spirit and passion for the game," Ramprakash said. "He's a great example to all the youngsters who want to take up the game, because he wants to bat and bowl and field - he wants to participate in the game.

"In terms of him maturing, of course, being in the England environment, he's mixing with other good players, he's had great experience in Test matches, one-day games, he's played in tournaments like the IPL, so he's been exposed to a lot of different things - and it's all part of his cricket education.

"I think he's handling it brilliantly. He's a pivotal member of the England side and, when he speaks about the game, people listen. But I think there's a lot more left in the tank."

We were talking on a day that was special for Stokes. As well as being an England coach, Ramprakash captained the PCA England Masters team which the 26-year-old brought to his home club.

A T20 game against Cockermouth's first-team was the highlight, while a junior cricket tournament and champagne reception also took place at the Raymond Denham Oval. When Stokes arrived, he gave the impression of a Pied Piper, so popular was he with swarms of children and a fair number of adults.

It was also a significant occasion for Cockermouth, less than two years after Storm Desmond's flood ransacked the club. Stokes, who lived in the town from the age of 12 and made his first cricket strides at Sandair, wished to give something back.

It was one of many such events attended by Ramprakash and his fellow former England players, but the meaning of coming to Cockermouth was clear. "Ben is obviously a special character and a special cricketer. When we heard that he wanted to help put this day on, I think everyone in the PCA were very keen to support him. And not just support him, but support the club.

"Obviously they've been through some tough times, and I'm so pleased we can come here. The PCA Masters team is an ex-England team, who played internationals, whether one-dayers or Test matches. We don't move as fast as we used to, so there probably won't be any muscles pulled, but we hope we can put on a bit of a show for everyone.
"What's also lovely is to see some of the kids here. When the PCA play their games, very much part of the day is also to promote the club and the colts as well. That's very important to us."

Ramprakash's prediction of no pulled muscles proved hasty, for Owais Shah eventually limped off the field as the Masters failed to defend their total of 124/6. Cockermouth's five-wicket victory was fuelled by Alex Grainger's impressive 59, taken from an attack featuring Graham Onions, Alex Tudor, Sajid Mahmood and Ajmal Shahzad.

Stokes watched from the balcony, obliging constant autograph requests but also sharing a few pints with old friends. Earlier, Cockermouth had presented their favourite son with a first-team shirt, STOKES 55 on the back, and it is probably not an assumption too far to think he would have liked to play in the game that unfolded in front of 1,500 people.

Ramprakash, who described the ground as one of the most scenic he has seen, smiled. "Ben could be playing a Test match at Lord's, or he could be playing on a Saturday afternoon at Cockermouth, and be equally happy.

"That, I think, is what stands him in such good stead. He is a great character, very down to earth. I'm very lucky to be working with him in the England environment."