Ben Stokes In Ashes 2023: The Ashes 2023 will begin on Friday, 16 June. Before this series to be played between Australia and England, thinking is being done on taking an increased decision from England. In fact, in the upcoming Ashes series, England Test captain Ben Stokes is being considered for use as an opening batsman.
According to the media report of the British newspaper, this can be done keeping in mind the knee injury of Ben Stokes. A report in ‘The Times’ pointed out that Stokes bowled only one over in IPL 2023 and that he did not play any match in the league after 3 April. Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming had said that Stokes is facing difficulty in bowling.
The report further stated that if Stokes is unable to bowl, a fourth fast bowler will be drafted into the team. This means that he will make room for Stokes in the top order. Stokes can be included in the top order in place of Jack Crowley playing in the top order. Crowley has averaged just 18.33 in home Tests since 2021 and hasn’t scored a half-century in his last eight innings.
Big gamble to include Stokes in top order: Allan Border
Meanwhile, former Australian veteran Allan Border has termed it a big gamble to feed Stokes in the top order. Talking to Fox Cricket, Alan Border said, “Stokes is a good player, I don’t know whether I would throw him in that situation or not. Why expose him to the new ball when you don’t need to? I think he can win matches from anywhere, but we saw (in 2019) how dangerous he is in the lower order.
The Aussie legend further said, “I don’t tinker with Stokes’ position in the batting line-up… He can bat lower down the order, he can move up. He can catch the end if needed. He is an excellent player. You’re right in the firing line against the new opening ball and if he’s not used to it, I think it’s going to be a real gamble.
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