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Former cricketer and commentator Nasser Hussain has expressed concerns over England's performance in the ongoing World Cup 2023, particularly regarding the team's balance. He emphasized that Ben Stokes' inability to bowl has disrupted England's equilibrium.
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England faced an eight-wicket defeat against Sri Lanka at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on October 26, putting their chances of reaching the semi-finals in jeopardy. Ben Stokes, who has been dealing with hip issues, has played only two matches in the tournament and has not bowled a single over.
While Stokes made a significant contribution with the bat against Sri Lanka, scoring 43 runs off 73 balls with six fours, he has not been able to provide his valuable bowling services. His wicket was claimed by Lahiru Kumara.
Hussain pointed out the challenge England faces in maintaining a balanced team composition without Stokes' bowling prowess. The lack of a key all-rounder like Stokes has put pressure on the team's overall performance.
"It has thrown a spanner in the works. You're damned if you do, and you're damned if you don't. You can't tap Ben Stokes on his shoulder and say 'You're not playing'. You just saw how much they needed him today in that sort of situation," Hussain was quoted as saying on Sky Sports.
"He's always done it for England. But the entire balance of our side is all over the place when he plays. They had to leave Brook out. If they want to play all their all-rounders, who are all out of form, they look like they are neither contributing with bat nor ball," he stated.
Looking ahead, England is scheduled to face India on Sunday, October 29, at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune. Hussain acknowledged that India has excelled in various aspects of the game, while England has struggled to match their performance levels.
"You look at Hardik Pandya. England's next game is going to be against India. Pandya won't play, they'll play all their batters and bowlers with someone like Shami coming in at No.8. The difference between India and England are that India's top seven are in form and getting big hundreds. Their bowlers are also getting five wickets. England haven't done any," Stokes added.
Stokes' role as an all-rounder is vital to England's success, and his ability to contribute with both bat and ball is essential for achieving the team's objectives. The team will need to address these challenges and regroup as they aim to improve their standing in the World Cup tournament.
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