Summary:
- England lost the final Test against India, once again showing Ben Stokes is crucial to their success.
- Stokes’ fitness and leadership are essential to keeping the Ashes dreams alive.
- While batting is looking good, injury concerns could prove to be problematic in Australia.
England fell just seven runs short in front of India at The Oval, suffering a defeat that once again showed squandering centuries, holding catches, and not losing bowlers to injury are critical.
The result also proved England’s fragility in Ben Stokes’s absence.
High Expectations
While Stokes dismissed concerns about the cricket team’s dependence on him with a blunt “No,” his presence, or absence, is capable of shaping England’s fortunes like no one else.
The 34-year-old New Zealender is not only a captain with impeccable instincts, but also the backbone of the batting lineup and a match-turning bowler. No matter if he’s smashing a hundred or pulling off a crucial bowling change, Stokes is, without a doubt, part of the engine room for the team.
His return, likely to occur in November at the opener in Perth, will come with enormous expectations. England haven’t won a Test in Australia since 2011, and Stokes is one of the few in the squad with any success down under.
In fact, among the traveling group, he owns the only Test century in Australia and one of just two five-wicket hauls.
The task ahead is steep. Ben Stokes needs to recover from his shoulder injury, captain with clarity, and deliver with bat and ball. All while staying fit, something that hasn’t happened over England’s last four series.
Squad Potential
England’s Ashes squad carries potential, with Joe Root, Harry Brook, and Ben Duckett offering firepower and Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope bringing in consistency.
However, their depth is still thin, and a single injury could easily throw Jacob Bethell, who is barely active in first-class cricket, into action. Jamie Smith must prove his staying power behind the stumps.
The bowling pool is rich but uncertain. Mark Wood and Jofra Archer could be electric in Australia, as long as they remain healthy. Support from Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, and Brydon Carse would be vital. In terms of spinning force, Shoaib Bashir seems to have edged out Liam Dawson, and Ricky Ponting’s praise gives that selection weight.
In the meanwhile, Australia will enter as favorites, especially at home. Their bowling quartet of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon is world-class. However, their batting is anything but bulletproof.
Still, England’s fate hinges on Stokes. With 108 days until the first ball in Perth, the countdown is drawing near.
Can England bring back the Ashes or even just win a test in Australia? Get the Best Non UK Betting Sites ahead of the action.