Ben Stokes wants "leeway" on sledging

Ben Stokes slumps to the floor after being bowled out during the World Twenty20 match between England and Afghanistan on March 23, 2016
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England all-rounder Ben Stokes calls upon umpires to show "leeway" when it comes to sledging during matches.

England all-rounder Ben Stokes has called upon umpires to show some "leeway" when it comes to sledging during matches.

The 25-year-old has a long-running rivalry with the West Indies' Marlon Samuels, and the pair squared up to each other during England's loss in the World T20 final this summer.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Stokes said that officials sometimes get involved in heated exchanges "too early" and create "a situation out of nothing".

"[Fans] like to see passion and desire to win, so I think there could be a bit more lenience towards stuff like that, definitely.

"We're trying to win a game here playing for our country, so give us a bit of leeway."

Stokes is currently with the England squad in Bangladesh for their two-Test and three-match ODI tour.

Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow in action on day two of the second Test between South Africa and England on January 3, 2016
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