Males’s ODI WC: Stokes has to play towards South Africa if he’s match, says Michael Atherton

Mumbai, Oct 21: In Mumbai, former England captain Michael Atherton has emphasised the significance of Ben Stokes returning to the sphere for England’s essential match towards South Africa on the Wankhede Stadium this Saturday, offered he’s match. Stokes, who additionally serves as England’s Take a look at captain, got here out of ODI retirement to help in England’s protection of their Males’s ODI World Cup title, which they secured in 2019 on their house soil. Nevertheless, his absence because of a hip damage, coupled with England’s inconsistent efficiency within the event, together with a win over Bangladesh however losses to New Zealand and Afghanistan, has raised considerations about their possibilities of making it to the semi-finals.

Atherton acknowledged, “Our understanding was that Stokes was very near health for the Afghanistan sport, however England opted to train warning. Now, if he’s match, he should take the sphere towards South Africa.” Whereas Atherton acknowledges that Stokes can not single-handedly rescue the workforce, he underlines the substantial affect Stokes brings to the squad, making England notably stronger when he’s a part of the lineup. Atherton highlighted Stokes’ current extraordinary efficiency in ODI cricket, notably scoring a record-breaking 182 towards New Zealand at The Kia Oval simply final month.

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The adjustment of bringing Stokes into the workforce signifies that Harry Brook, who scored a powerful 66 off 61 balls in England’s surprising loss to Afghanistan, could be the one to make means. This alteration raises considerations about England’s bowling choices, provided that Stokes primarily performs as a specialist batter on this event. Atherton remarked, “I firmly consider that Harry Brook also needs to be included within the enjoying XI. The problem for England lies in attaining the appropriate steadiness within the workforce. They have to determine whether or not to incorporate Liam Livingstone at No. 7 as one of many 5 bowlers, with Joe Root serving because the sixth bowler, or to go for two specialist bowlers alongside Reece Topley, Adil Rashid, and Mark Wooden.”

Along with the choice dilemmas, England is grappling with subpar performances from all-rounders Chris Woakes and Sam Curran, which additional exacerbate their considerations. Woakes conceded 41 runs in his 4 overs throughout the Afghanistan match, whereas Curran was costly, giving freely 46 runs in his 4 overs in the identical sport in New Delhi. Atherton concluded, “The type of Chris Woakes and Sam Curran is a real trigger for concern. Each gamers seem susceptible in the mean time. Curran’s financial system fee is over eight runs per over, and Woakes is conceding seven and a half runs per over, with only some wickets to their identify. Curran has been expensive within the center overs, and Woakes has struggled within the powerplay, leaving England enjoying catch-up of their matches.”