England lost a match against Afghanistan last night in the group stages of the ICC World Cup 2023. From this stage on, all matches are a must-win match for the world champions. On the note, former English skipper Nasser Hussain feels Ben Stokes has got to come back in if he is fit. Ben Stokes wasn’t a part of the English setup against Afghanistan.
England did not play Ben Stokes in the first three matches of the mega event, and they missed their services in those matches. They are in fifth place with a negative run rate, and they have tough opponents to face in future matches.
Ben Stokes was struggling with his hip and missed the initial action for his team, and the former skipper feels that if England want to retain their title of World Champions, they need to play their full-strength team with Ben Stokes in the side.
England have to win every match on this stage if…- Nasser Hussain
Nasser Hussain was having an interaction with Daily Mail. Nasser Hussain pointed out that England will have to bring their best 11 against South Africa in Mumbai on Saturday. Nasser Hussain stated that Ben Stokes has to come into the side if they want to qualify for Semi Finals.
“For England’s team, there is no wiggle room now. They have to win every match on this stage if they want to keep their title as world champions in their own hands,” said Nasser Hussain.
“That means them playing their best XI and acting as if every game must be won, starting with facing the in-form South African team in Mumbai on Saturday. That means Ben Stokes has got to come back in the side if he is fully fit. I sincerely hope England is not holding him back here, thinking it is only Afghanistan,” he added.
Ben Stokes an Asset
Ben Stokes made his comeback into the England team against New Zealand while returning from his retirement from ODI format. He played really well in the series and showed great form, but he suffered an injury to his hip just before the 2023 World Cup and missed the first three matches.
England lost all those matches and missed his experience in the middle order. In the last World Cup, he played an important part in making England champions for the very first time. England will be hoping for his comeback.
Also Read: ICC Cricket World Cup 2023: England’s Scratchy Performance Against Afghanistan