Former England captain Nasser Hussain expressed concerns about Ben Stokes’ future in international cricket due to a persistent knee injury, raising doubts about his ability to bowl.
Nasser Hussain voiced concerns regarding Ben Stokes’ future in international cricket due to a persistent knee issue that has hindered his bowling prospects. Stokes, grappling with the knee problem since the New Zealand Test tour, notably played as a batsman during the 2023 Ashes and World Cup due to the injury’s impact on his bowling performance. Recently, Stokes underwent surgery for a complete recovery ahead of the India Test series.
Hussain, speaking to Sky Sports, emphasized Stokes’ vital role as a triple threat—batsman, bowler, and leader. However, he apprehensively highlighted doubts about Stokes’ sustained bowling capabilities, stressing England’s potential need to adapt to his possible absence from the bowling department in the future.
“Stokes is three cricketers in one, he’s a batter, a bowler and a captain which makes him a pivotal cricketer, especially in those conditions with his leadership qualities. I’m not sure how much Stokes is going to bowl in the future of his career. Stokes is such a main man for England but they have to learn to live without him,” Hussain said.
“The reason he had the operation was to help him bowl more, but the last two years he’s been hobbling around and to a degree it’s affected his batting too. We’ve seen him play certain shots and then collapse. In a five-match Test series in the heat, you can’t afford that,” he added.
Stokes has performed reasonably well in Test matches in India, yet his toughest challenge has been facing Ravichandran Ashwin. He has scored 548 runs in 9 Tests in India, including 3 half-centuries and one century.
The India vs. England Test series kicks off with the 1st Test on January 25th in Hyderabad.
Last Updated on December 14, 2023
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