Former Australian cricketer and commentator Michael Hussey believes that the “world-class” all-rounder Ben Stokes lacked the rhythm and is suffering from a lack of game time, which can hurt England's chances in the ongoing Ashes 2021-22 in Australia.
Stokes hasn't played for five or six months, and Hussey has pointed out that it was always going to be a challenge for the star all-rounder to get back into the groove, having come straight into the tough Ashes series against Australia with very limited preparation.
He further said that Stokes’ performance in the ongoing first Test against Australia in Brisbane showed he lacked rhythm, which is a big concern for England moving forward in the Ashes series.
Notably, Stokes was dismissed for just five runs in England's first innings, and then he conceded 65 runs for no wickets in his 12 overs against Australia. Even, the 30-year-old was also hobbled off the field with what looked like a knee injury on Day 2, although he came back to bowl on Day 3 at The Gabba.
Hussey told Cricbuzz: “It will be a huge concern for England. He is a world-class all-rounder and such a key man in the team. He offers so much balance, virtually three players in one. He looked like he was struggling with a knee injury that seemed to be getting even more sore as the match wore on.”
The Aussie further explained, “We knew that it was going to be a challenge for him coming into the series because he was coming in with very limited preparation. He hasn't played for five or six months and it isn't easy to come straight into an Ashes series and have an impact. Lack of preparation has certainly showed.”
He signed off by saying, “Even in his bowling, those big no-balls against David Warner also showed a lack of rhythm coming in. When you have been playing lots of cricket and you are in your groove, that sort of thing doesn't happen, so it is a big concern for England moving forward.”
