‘Crazy move’: England selectors reportedly discuss captain Ben Stokes opening the batting in the Ashes
The Ashes 2023 is almost upon us. And the English selectors are still scratching their heads over who should be the opener for the hosts going into the Australia series.
It is no longer a secret that England has been struggling with opening pairs. They have tried a number of them over the years and none of them are working out. At such times, the selectors seem to have come up with a crazy plan that might perplex anyone.
Ben Stokes to Open in Ashes 2023?
The ECB is planning to make their test captain Ben Stokes open in the upcoming England-Australia series.
The Times has reported that England Cricket is looking to brandish its new brand of cricket. Bazzball as it has come to be known since last year, involves an attacking style of cricket, that believes in taking the attack to the opposition.
Hence, who else can be a better player to open the inning than Ben Stokes himself?
Over the years, Ben Stokes has established himself as one of the most prolific and hard-hitting batters in the game of cricket. He has played some of the most fanatic knocks in the game, especially in the longest version of it.
What fits best for the English skipper is the record he has while opening. Although Stokes has opened only once in Tests, his inning of 78 off 57 against West Indies in 2020 is a memorable one.
It allowed England to score quick runs against the Windies before they enforced the follow-on.
Ben Stokes knee injury update
Another major reason why Ben Stokes should be used as an opener is that he has been nursing an injury for a long time now. The English skipper was diagnosed with the same during a New Zealand tour earlier this year.
Still, he went on to play in the Indian Premier League, where he represented Chennai Super Kings. Although he was ruled out for the best part of the tournament due to the injury, he managed to ball an over.
Now with concerns being raised regarding him not getting fully fit before the inaugural test of the season, people and pundits believe that Stokes should try opening.
This move will not only help England take the attack to their oppositive number. But also allow them the space in the lower order to rope in a fourth seamer if need be.
If Ben Stokes opens the Inning with Ben Duckett, who scored a 180 against Ireland, England will have an iron-clad top order. With Pope, Root, and Harry Brook all coming to the series with runs on their back.
The middle order will have the likes of Jonny Bairstow who had a phenomenal home season last year. Although he will be pushed down the order, due to his wicketkeeping duties, Bairstow might prove to be the difference.
Experts opinion on Ben Stokes Opening Innings in Ashes 2023
While everyone thinks that it is an enticing prospect to open with Ben Stokes, Alan Border believes otherwise. In a conversation with Fox Sports, he said, “Why expose him to the new ball when you don’t have to?
“He can win games from anywhere I suppose, but we saw in (2019) how dangerous he is down the order and with the tail.
“I wouldn’t be fiddling with Ben Stokes’ position in the batting line up … he can bat with the tail, he can up the ante. He can hold up an end if he needs to, put the block on. He’s a quality player that guy.
“You’re right in the firing line against the new ball opening the batting, and if he’s not used to doing it, I reckon that would be a real gamble.”
The decision, for now, rests on the English selectors and coach Brendon McCullum. The former Kiwi skipper himself was a middle-order batter, but some of his best knocks have come while opening for his side.
Hence, if need be, McCullum will be tempted to try out opening with his captain Ben Stokes.
