‘I’m a fan of Ben Stokes, England need that all-rounder with a bit of heart. I think you’re going to need that stuff down under because the Aussies bring it. Let me say this, without Stokesy the English team is going to look like kittens.’
Legendary West Indian Sir Viv Richards was not the first to question whether Joe Root’s England side were capable of retaining the Ashes without the help of their vice-captain, who just happens to be the most explosive all-rounder in the world.
And with little under two weeks until the first ball of the first Test will be bowled at the Gabba, Root and his head coach, Trevor Bayliss, are sure to be reminded of the momentous task that awaits them in Australia.
Let’s be clear, England were never favourites to win the Ashes: Not even when Stokes, the all-rounder who has bludgeoned six Test hundreds and is closing in on a century of wickets, was a shoo-in to line up for the tourists in the first Test in Brisbane.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 live in September – before Stokes was arrested on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm outside a Bristol nightclub – former England captain Michael Vaughan would only go so far as to say ‘freak’ Stokes could inspire an Ashes triumph down under.
Trevor Bayliss on Ben Stokes' Ashes chances
It’s totally out of our hands. We have just got on with preparing as best we can. I have [written Stokes off].
If he turns up it’s an absolute bonus. And if he did happen to turn up, I’m quite sure he would slip back in very easily.
‘Stokes is a freak. He can produce magic,’ Vaughan said after Stokes’ six for 22 set up a series clinching win against West Indies at Lord’s. They are very fortunate to have him, because he will win games of cricket in every format for years to come.
‘For England to go to Australia and win, Stokes will have to have a special series. Not only is he important with bat and ball, but also his body language.’
So while England would not suddenly emerge as favourites should Stokes become available in the next two weeks, his impending absence has certainly provoked a fresh sense of dread for our English cricketers as they prepare to take on the Aussies in their own back yard.
Ashes schedule - the key dates
First Test: November 23-27 (Brisbane)
Second Test: December 2-6 (Adelaide)
Third Test: December 14-18 (Perth)
Fourth Test: December 25-29 (Melbourne)
Fifth Test: January 3-7 (Sydney)
Demoralising defeats in Australia have become all too familiar and the Stokes saga, in the eyes of many, signalled the start of what would be another futile tour.
The problem for England is no player, bar their rookie captain Root, has become more important to the Test side in recent years and more difficult to replace. ‘He is virtually irreplaceable as he is two cricketers rolled into one,’ Nasser Hussain told Sky Sports, before raising Samit Patel and Steven Finn as potential alternatives, which only seemed to highlight the thankless task the England selectors face in their attempts to cope without Stokes.
This is a player that, at the age of 26, appears to be in his prime; a devastating batsman capable of featuring in the top five for any international side; a bowler always up for the fight and who was improving at some rate improving his skills all the time. A player who was relishing his new role as Root’s vice-captain, who any member of the dressing room could turn to for advice and support. A player who landed a record-breaking contract in his first season in the Indian Premier League, being snapped up by Pune Supergiants for £1.6million. His value – both as a brand and, more prominently, a member of England’s team – is enormous.
As it stands, England will have to make do without. Stuart Broad, who is set for his third tour of Australia, has insisted the qualities Stokes brings to the side will remain even if he stays at home this winter.
‘In my opinion he’s been a leader within the changing room over the last 18 months – he’s characteristics are instilled in the team anyway, whether he’s on the pitch or not,’ the fast bowler said. ‘His competitive side, the way he puts his arm around the players, will still be there if Stokes the cricketer isn’t. What he’s given to the team will stay with the team and will stand us in good stead in Australia.’
Ben Stokes - England STATS
TEST
Matches: 29
Runs: 2,429
Hundreds: 6
HS: 258
Wickets: 96
Best figures: 8-161
ODI
Matches: 62
Runs: 1,650
Hundreds: 3
HS: 102*
Wickets: 53
Best figures: 5-61
No comments:
Post a Comment