With Ben Stokes’ participation in the Ashes being in jeopardy following his involvement in the brawl outside a pub in Bristol, many believe England’s chances of retaining the urn is as good as over if the all-rounder gets axed from the squad.
However, Stokes’ teammate Moeen Ali, while admitting the all-rounder was ‘one of the main players’, insisted that England can still win the five-Test series Down Under.
“We all know how good a cricketer he is, what he can bring to the table and he’s one of the main players that we have, so it would be great to have him out there but let’s see what happens,” he said. “If he’s not there, then we’re going to have to play well without him, so I definitely feel that we can still win.”
Named in the 16-man squad for the Ashes, Stokes is now doubtful for the series after he along with Alex Hales was suspended by England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Thursday (September 28). The cricket board, through in its press release, stated both the players would not get considered for selection for England international matches until further notice after a video footage emerged, showing Stokes throwing punches at two men.
Moeen, who recently hit England’s second-fastest ODI hundred off just 53 balls in the third ODI against the Windies, further said the wickets in Australia are good and hoped to do well.
“The wickets are actually really good out there,” said the 30-year-old.“I feel when you get in it feels like it’s a good place to bat. The ball doesn’t obviously swing as much. Hopefully, I can come in, whatever number I come in I can express myself and change the way I play. I’m going to have to change a couple of things.”
If Stokes is axed, Moeen is likely to be promoted in the batting order, and the all-rounder is up for the challenge.
“Number eight is somewhere I’m kind of used to at the moment but if I’m told to bat seven I feel I’m capable of doing well and hopefully can show that I can go out there and play against their bowlers, play well against them,” he said.
He also expressed his excitement over playing his first Ashes in Australia.
“I can’t wait Genuinely I can’t wait. I’m very, very excited. It’s something that when you’re a young county player you always think you’d love to be on that sort of tour,” he said.
“I never, ever thought I’d be on tour like this so to be going I’m very, very fortunate and I know that hopefully we’ll go out there and perform and win the Ashes,” he added.