Nasser Hussain, a former England captain, has expressed his joy at Ben Stokes’ decision to end his sabbatical and return to the England team for the Ashes in Australia. The all-rounder had taken a sabbatical from cricket. To recover from a finger injury and to take care of his mental health.
Stokes was injured while attempting to take a catch in the Rajashtan Royals’ first match of the IPL 2021 season. Stokes chose to take a vacation from cricket after leading England’s second-string squad to a 3-0 ODI whitewash over Pakistan. Which forced him to miss the ongoing T20 World Cup.
Hussain admitted that he predicted Stokes’ recovery after seeing him upload footage of himself exercising. While Hussain expected Stokes to join the team later in the Ashes. The all-choice rounder’s to play right away surprised the former England captain.
“The hints have been there. The moment Ben posted a picture of himself holding a bat I thought, ‘OK, he’s not doing that because he’s thinking of Durham in April. He must have something else in mind’. As he said himself, he is ready for Australia.” Hussain elaborated
“He is the heartbeat of that side and suddenly England’s hopes of succeeding in the series have improved dramatically. Thus, Stokes is the ultimate team man and the England players will be thrilled to have him back,” he said
Therefore, Stokes was not named in England’s Ashes team, but he has since been added to the group that will travel to Australia.
“Stokes is absolutely vital to the England team. His addition to the Ashes squad will give everyone a lift. It is not just his immense contribution with the bat, ball, and in the field but his sheer presence. Hussain added
Jos Buttler
“This is the hardest tour of them all and Root will be so much stronger for having his vice-captain alongside him. It is Stokes and Jos Buttler who Root leans on most in his decision-making. Those three set the tone for the team in all they do.” Hussain elaborated
However, The previous time England visited Australia, they were trounced by a score of 4-0. They had been thrashed 5-0 in the previous series. The last time the Three Lions won on their opponents’ turf was in 2010 when they won the series 3-1.
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