Ashes 2017/18: Five reasons why England are missing Ben Stokes

The much-awaited Ashes series started on a bad note for England as they crashed to a ten-wicket loss at the Gabba in Brisbane. They competed very well on the first three days, however, a poor batting display in the 3rd innings along with some fiery bowling from the Aussies meant that England could only set a target of 170 which was always going to be below-par.

In the first Test, there was a notable absentee from England’s XI - Ben Stokes. The New Zealand-born all-rounder was suspended after being involved in a late-night brawl in Bristol.

He was arrested on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm but released with a police investigation ongoing. An ECB statement later read: "Ben Stokes and Alex Hales will not be considered for selection for England international matches until further notice."

The police investigation is still going on which means that until that’s completed, Stokes cannot be considered for selection.

Before getting suspended, Stokes (England’s vice-captain) was a key member of the side. And looking at the way things panned out in the first Test, it did look like England missed their premier all-rounder. Here, we look at five reasons why England are missing Stokes.

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#1 Ability to fight fire with fire

Stokes has got involved in a few spats in recent times

There is no doubt that the Ashes is one of the fiercest rivalries in the history of the game. There is a lot of banter that goes on (both on and off the field). And Australia are a team who love to sledge their oppositions.

Hence, Stokes could’ve easily been England’s answer to Australia’s sledging because he is one player who doesn’t hesitate in giving it back. Right from his debut series (Ashes 2013/14 in Australia) where he faced off against Mitchell Johnson and Brad Haddin, Stokes has been involved in some mouth-watering battles.

His recent spats with Virat Kohli (2016 in India) and Kagiso Rabada (2017 at home) show that he isn’t one to shy away from a confrontation.

#2 Impact Player (X-factor)

Stokes is an impact player and lends impeccable balance to the team

Every team craves for an all-rounder who can bat in the top 6, bowl crucial overs and lend stability to the side. Ben Stokes is exactly that kind of a player.

He can bat at No. 5 or No. 6 and is quite consistent. Every time he bats, he tends to take the game away from the opposition. He is a typical attacking batsman who can change gears and according to the situation.

This was evident when he walked out to bat at 30/4 against New Zealand at Lord’s and scored a fantastic 101. Most of his hundreds have come when England have been in a spot of bother. Moreover, he can bowl at any time of the innings. He has the ability to bowl long spells and also possesses the knack of picking up crucial wickets. In addition to this, he can consistently bowl over 140 kmph which is vital in Australian conditions.

#3 Experience

Stokes would've been one of the most experienced players in the England squad

England currently have a 16-man squad, out of which only five of them have played a Test in Australia previously. And all five played in the first Test at the Gabba.

In England’s squad, eight players haven’t even reached the 10-Test mark. Thus, Stokes’ 39-Test experience would’ve been pretty handy.

Moreover, he made his debut in Australia during England’s disastrous 2013/14 trip (where they were thrashed 5-0). He was one of the shining lights on that tour with 279 runs and 15 wickets in four games.

Also, he was appointed the vice-captain of the team. Stokes’ aggressive mindset would’ve been useful to Joe Root who looked a little short of ideas once Steve Smith got going (stonewalling most of England’s plans).

#4 Consistency over the last couple of years

Stokes has been in very good form, both with the bat and ball

Consistency in one aspect of the game is difficult to achieve, but Ben Stokes has put paid to that notion and been one of the most consistent performers in the last two years with both bat and ball.

With the bat, from the start of 2016, the all-rounder has scored 1431 runs in 33 innings at a very good average of almost 45. He’s scored four hundreds and seven fifties during that period. And he’s got all these runs at a pretty good rate, often providing impetus to England’s innings.

With the ball (in the same period), he’s taken 49 wickets at an excellent average of 27.61. He has the knack of picking wickets at crucial stages of the game. He has also learned the art of stemming the run-flow (which was a problem at the start of his career).

Hence, there’s absolutely no doubt the English team are missing the consistency and current form of their premier all-rounder.

#5 Steps up during crunch time

Stokes steps up during crunch situations

During England's first innings in the first Test, the side, after a strong start, looked set for a score of around 400. However, the fall of Dawid Malan’s wicket triggered a collapse as the visitors lost their last six wickets for 56 runs. Again, in the second innings, England lost their last five wickets for 40 runs.

In similar situations during England’s home season earlier this year, Stokes always put his hand up when England were in trouble. He bailed them out of trouble and helped them put up decent totals.

Similarly, with the ball, England had Australia on the mat at 76/4 and then at 209/7. A handy first-innings lead looked set. But that cutting-edge that England’s bowling attack lacked helped the Aussies get to 328. England clearly missed Stokes’ knack of picking up wickets at crucial junctures.

Also, the visitors missed a bowler who could maintain the pressure. James Anderson and Stuart Broad were brilliant but as soon as they were done with their spells, Chris Woakes and Jake Ball could not quite maintain the pressure, leaking runs like a broken tap.

Thus, England clearly missed the ever-reliable Stokes who brings the X-factor to the team.