Ashes 2017/18: Ben Stokes Should Not be Allowed to Play the Ashes – Shane Watson
Nov 29, 2017 at 7:18 PM
Talented English all-rounder Ben Stokes is currently suspended by the England Cricket Board (ECB) after a video of the cricketer punching a man went viral on the internet.
Stokes was not a part of the first match of the Ashes series as a result of suspension and England certainly felt his absence.
However, the cricketer created a lot of buzz by flying out of the Heathrow on Monday night. It got the English fans excited, and we might just see the big guy wear the England whites in the 2nd Test match.
Former Aussie international Shane Watson begs to differ. While Ben Stokes is still to hear from the ECB about the charges he needs to bare owing to the incident, Watson believes the player should not be allowed to take part in the entire Ashes.
“The only way you learn as a person really is when there are strong consequences to mistakes you make,” Watson said. “I don’t think he should be able to come and play, there needs to be a precedent set even for his own benefit,” he added.
However, former English cricketer Nasser Hussain patted Stokes on his back for the latter’s decision to move to New Zealand to warm up.
“I think it makes cricketing sense [to play in New Zealand] as he hasn’t played for three months,” Hussain told Sky Sports. “You want him to get sunshine on his back and get back playing cricket.“Then, if the police and ECB inquiries go his way, then he is ready to take the field.” he concluded.
Australia certainly looks the better side moving into the second Test. The England batting order is in disarray with the lack of partnerships, and it will be a major concern for England at the Oval. Nonetheless, the fans will be up for a treat with or without Stokes when Smith and Root lock horns for part 2 of the story.
Also Read: (Ashes 2017/18: Pink Ball Will Favour England, Feels Ashes Legends)
(Ashes 2017/18: Chris Woakes Excited Over Ben Stokes Possibility of Joining the Squad)