The Evening Standard’s cricket correspondent Will Macpherson believes Ben Stokes’ availability for the Ashes is a huge boost for England’s chances on their tour of Australia next month.
The 30-year-old’s inclusion to the squad gives England the ability to balance their side with a genuine all-rounder and possibly include Jack Leach or Dom Bess as a specialist spinner.
Macpherson said: “It is a huge boost for England that Stokes is set to travel to Australia next week. He is not only among their most experienced players, he brings eight years of Ashes success with him, and has a history of success against Australia. The Headingley heist of 2019 remains fresh in Australian memories and he provides a fear factor and will not take a backward step in the toughest away series.
“Stokes changes the complexion of England’s squad. Before he was available, they faced a challenge to balance their team. Do they go with four bowlers, possibly all seamers, to lengthen their batting? Or do they pick five bowlers, including a spinner, and have a long tail?”
England have picked a seamers unit consisting of James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Craig Overton, Ollie Robinson, Chris Woakes and Mark Wood. With Wood’s potential injury issues, it makes England’s job of balancing the playing time of their bowlers much easier.
“Stokes will bat at five, which allows a specialist bat at six, keeper at seven, and four more bowlers. It means Jack Leach should be a lock in the XI and their five main seamers – Anderson, Broad, Wood, Woakes and Robinson – can be used more selectively, rather than flogged across five matches. Stokes, as a bowler, is also an excellent fit for Australian conditions in his own right.”
While England’s chances of winning the series have been boosted by Stokes’ return, the hosts have a very good record against the tourists down under and have a long list of bowlers out injured.
“It remains very unlikely that England win the series, as they must, but Stokes’ involvement gives them plenty more cause for optimism. Jofra Archer remains a massive loss and Olly Stone would probably have travelled if it wasn’t for his injury.”
However, Macpherson says there are some encouraging signs for England: “While England’s squad still looks a little light, it is worth noting that various players have good records against Australia: Leach, Burns and Malan have all excelled in the Ashes before.
“I would pick Mark Wood, the last of the battery of quicks still standing, and Ollie Robinson as my ones to watch. If Zak Crawley gets a go, I would not be surprised if he finds Australian conditions to his liking.”
The Ashes series gets underway on 8th December in Brisbane.
JG Writes 