Nasser Hussain has drawn high praise for Ben Stokes, comparing the current England Test captain to the revered Mike Brearley, widely regarded as one of the finest cricketing leaders. Ahead of the much-anticipated Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy, where England hosts India for a five-Test battle starting June 20 at Headingley, Hussain lauded Stokes for getting the “balance right” in his leadership approach, both on and off the field.

Writing in his Daily Mail column, Nasser Hussain highlighted Stokes’ emotional intelligence, a trait he believes is central to Stokes’ success as captain. According to the former England skipper, players respect and trust Stokes because he walks the fine line between being a friend and an authoritative leader — someone they’re comfortable with, but also cautious not to disappoint.

ALSO READ: Karun Nair Finds Comfort In KL Rahul’s Presence As He Eyes Test Comeback

“Very few captains tick every box, but Stokes pretty much does,” Nasser Hussain wrote. “Like Brearley, he knows how to manage people. His players want to perform for him, but he also sets boundaries. He’s not just everyone’s best mate — he will hold them accountable if they don’t deliver.”

As England prepares for not just the India series but also a massive Ashes tour in Australia later this year, Hussain warned Stokes to maintain perspective during their aggressive, entertainment-driven brand of cricket. He urged the all-rounder to strike the right balance between ambition and control, especially in high-stakes series.

ALSO READ: Ajinkya Rahane Backs Yashasvi Jaiswal For England Tests Despite Reported Rift

He also noted that England is “a much poorer side without Stokes,” urging the captain to manage his bowling workload smartly. “He leads from the front, sometimes too much. He’s over-bowled himself in the past, and injuries have hurt England. If England wants to beat India and Australia, they need Stokes firing with bat and ball — especially rediscovering the form he showed in 2019,” Nasser Hussain added.

With the spotlight firmly on him, Stokes’ performance will be pivotal in England’s quest for glory in this new Test cycle.