Former England captain Michael Vaughan has predicted that Joe Root-led England Team will sweep the three-match Test series 3-0 despite the absence of talismanic all-rounder Ben Stokes in the remainder of the series.
Stokes was part of England’s thrilling three-wicket victory in the three-Test series opener at Old Trafford last week but had to pull out of the remaining two Test matches due to the family reasons and left for New Zealand earlier this week.
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Vaughan said Stokes is a big player and positive influence in the dressing room, but is confident of England’s depth, saying the hosts are strong enough to beat Pakistan in the remaining two Tests while saying an inexperienced captain Azhar Ali missed a huge opportunity to win an overseas Test.
Vaughan said: “He plays a big, big role in that dressing room. Even though Ben Stokes is out I think England will be too strong. England will win the series 3-0, that’s my prediction.”
He added: “Azhar Ali is a young captain in terms of test matches but an experienced player in terms of test matches that he’s played. I think that was his chance to win a game overseas for the first time.”
The Englishman also feels England can rest the veteran quick James Anderson while Zak Crawley might come in for Stokes in the second Test starting on Thursday.
Vaughan signed off, “I'd be surprised if he plays back-to-back games, so I think he will be rested. Maybe Sam Curran will come in for him or Mark Wood. Zak Crawley will probably come in for Ben Stokes.”
(With Cricket Pakistan Inputs)
