Ashes 2017/18: England Must Take Care of Ben Stokes if Cleared for Australia – Nasser Hussain
Apr 6, 2019 at 2:08 PM
Former England skipper Nasser Hussain made it clear by saying the national side-led by Joe Root should back Ben Stokes, who is concurrently facing the enquiry over Bristol-brawl which took place on September 25, early this year.
“I hope the ECB have planned for when and if he does go to Australia – Ben will need looking after and to bunker down a little bit after the Bairstow and Bancroft stuff,” Nasser was quoted as saying by Sky Sports.
(Read Also: Ashes 2017/18: Michael Vaughan Reveals Ben Stokes is Eagerly Waiting to Return to Int’l Cricket)
Nasser, who represented England in the top-order line-up during his career, further feels Stokes is passionate and he would be working on his batting and bowling after staying away from the cricket field for little over two months.
“I think it makes cricketing sense for Stokes to play in New Zealand as he hasn’t played for three months,” Nasser said.
The 49-year-old Nasser throws his support behind Stokes while hinting the teammates should take care of him owing to the tricky situation if the latter managed to represent the Three Lions squad in the ongoing Ashes series, as hosts are already leading the five-match series 1-0.
“Going out to a bar is not the way for Stokes to go, in my opinion, so people need to look after him,” Nasser added.
With investigation going on, Stokes flew to New Zealand with his kitbag and luggage to start practice, as the United Kingdom facing the season of winter. Nasser’s comment came in the content of “headbutt” controversy which further forced Australian opener, Cameron Bancroft, to clear the air, as English gloveman Jonny Bairstow termed it was exaggerated by the media fraternity in Australia.
Nasser reiterated he would want to see Stokes giving his best, as the latter is waiting for the decision which would also decide his fate owing to the gentleman’s game.
“You want him to get sunshine on his back and get back playing cricket,” Nasser maintained.
With England in Australia to defend the coveted title, Stokes was already suspended by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), as the all-rounder also got arrested for allegedly causing the bodily harm to the 26-year-old Ryan Hale, who got hospitalized in Bristol.
Recently, ECB revealed Stokes is not going to Australia after rumours were doing rounds over the social media.
“There was some frenzy on social media on Monday night that he was going to be in Adelaide for the second Test. That has been quashed,” Nasser asserted.
However, he boarded a flight to New Zealand, as reports further suggested Durham-based cricketer Stokes is in touch with Canterbury after deciding to spend his time with family.
Nasser featured in 96 Tests for England and scored 5,764 at the average of 37.18, eventually explained if the decision would turn out to be in favor of Stokes, who is raring to go while donning the white jersey for England.
“Then, if the police and ECB inquiries go his way, he is ready to take the field,” Nasser further added.
(Read Further: Ashes 2017/18: ECB Set to Act on Ben Stokes’ Return)
At the Durham indoor camp, Stokes was seen practicing while bowling with full steam while relying on his shorter and longer run-ups.
With second Ashes Test to be a pink-ball contest beginning from December 2 at Adelaide, Nasser stated. Root should bank on strength while making the addition to the bowling department while eyeing for a series level.
“The old Adelaide pitches turned so you could go in with two spinners,” Nasser concluded.
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On the other side, fast bowler Mark Wood is solely seen as the backup plan of bowling option for England.
Wood, who nursed heel injury, is representing Lions in the first-class fixture against Queensland XI.