The allrounder Ben Stokes is the one-man army for the England team. His contribution with the bat and ball plays a significant role in his country’s victory. Thus, his absence in the last Two test matches against Pakistan in the ongoing series will surely create a void in the team. However, former England captain Michael Vaughan is confident that his countrymen could win the series without Stokes.
Ben Stokes has been prolific in the past Test matches. His teammates Chris Woakes and Joe Root has heaped praise on his ‘miracle’ performance in the first Test against Pakistan. Sideling his fitness issue, Stokes bowled outstanding spells, contributing to England’s victory in that match. He will be missing the last Two tests owing to some family commitments.
Michael Vaughan accepts the fact that Ben Stokes holds great importance in the England team. But he is sure that England can still win the series by 3-0.
“He plays a big, big role in that dressing room. Even though Ben Stokes is out I think England will be too strong. England will win the series 3-0, that’s my prediction,” wrote Vaughan a blog William Hill.
In the opening Test, the England team had snatched the victory from the jaw of defeat after Chris Woakes and Jos Buttler stitched a miraculous partnership. Pakistan had the game in their hand but the England duo demolished the visitor’s dream of victory. Vaughan also feels that Azhar Ali led side had the chance to win the game.
“Azhar Ali is a young captain in terms of Test matches but an experienced player in terms of Test matches that he’s played. I think that was his chance to win a game overseas for the first time.”
Zak Crawley would replace Ben Stokes: Michael Vaughan
As Pakistan and England are set to play the second Test match from Thursday (13th August), Vaughan threw light on the team combination of England team. He said that the veteran pacer James Anderson might not be included for the coming Test while Sam Curran would be given chance. While Zak Crawley will replace Ben Stokes, as per the former cricketer.
“I’d be surprised if he plays back-to-back games, so I think he will be rested. Maybe Sam Curran will come in for him or Mark Wood,” he added. “Zak Crawley will probably come in for Ben Stokes.”
Meanwhile, after playing the Test series, the two teams are set to play the T20I series starting from 28th August.