Former England captain Nasser Hussain said that Ben Stokes has to be part of the playing XI to turn around England’s fate after having a dismal start to their 2023 ODI World Cup campaign as well. However, Jos Buttler and Co. faced a 69-run defeat by Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Sunday, October 15. Meanwhile, Stokes has been added to England’s ODI World Cup squad for the mega event after reversing his ODI retirement as well.
However, the defending champions have only won one game out of three matches in the tournament so far and their most recent defeat came against Afghanistan. That put them in a tricky position, as they are ranked fifth with a net run rate of -0.084 as well. Hussain also explained the importance of Ben Stokes in the England side and believes that he must return to the playing XI when he becomes fully fit.
READ MORE: “Can be the future captain of India” – Kiran More on Ruturaj Gaikwad
In his column for the Daily Mail, he said: “For Jos Buttler’s team, there is no wiggle room now. They have to win every match from here on if they want to keep the defence of their title in their own hands. That means them playing their best XI and acting as if every game, starting with facing the in-form South Africa in Mumbai on Saturday, is a World Cup final. That means Ben Stokes has got to come back in if he is fit. I sincerely hope England were not holding him back here thinking ‘it’s only Afghanistan.”
Further stating that he would include both Stokes and Harry Brook in the playing XI at the expense of a bowler, Hussain added:
“The problem with the Stokes recall is that the man he is earmarked to replace in Harry Brook is playing well. I would play them both.”
Brook was the sole batter who looked in command during England’s unsuccessful run chase against Afghanistan. He scored 66 runs off 61 deliveries before being dismissed by Mujeeb-ur-Rahman in the 35th over.
READ MORE: Virat Kohli shares the importance of maintaining diet
However, Chris Woakes was among England’s best players in their 2019 World Cup triumph, but he has failed to do well in Indian conditions. He has claimed two wickets in three matches so far, with an economy of 7.50 as well.
Nasser Hussain again wrote: “Chris Woakes is completely out of nick — that has been evident in all three matches so far. He has been very un-Woakeslike. England have to leave him out now. Now is not the time for any kind of emotion or loyalty. This England side looks vulnerable, particularly in subcontinental conditions. One of my pre-tournament predictions was that Afghanistan would produce an upset at this World Cup – I just didn’t expect it to be England on the receiving end.”
