Home
England's star all-rounder Ben Stokes was roped in for a whopping Rs 16.25 crore by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 auction. However, Stokes has featured in just two matches for CSK this season due to injury. Ahead of clash against Delhi Capitals (DC) on May 10, Hussey has revealed that Stokes is fit and available for selection but whether he will play depends on the team combination.
"Stokes has been training really well. I am pretty sure that he is available for selection. It just comes down to the balance of the squad. Obviously, we have been playing in sort of spinning conditions, so they have decided to go for the extra spin-bowling option rather than Stokes, an all-rounder who can bowl seam," Hussey told the media on the eve of DC clash.
"He has been training really well; he has ticked all the boxes as far as being available for selection."
Stokes has scored just 15 runs from two games and is yet to take a wicket as he bowled just one over in the second match.
Hussey also revealed that in-form Shivam Dube sustained a finger injury trying to take a catch. While Dube has not been cleared yet, Hussey hopes that he will recover in time.
"He had a sort of finger injury trying to take a catch in the last game. It was great signs that he was able to come out and bat. Fingers crossed, he will be fine to get through the DC match," the former Australian batter said.
Hussey lauded Dube for his sensational hitting in the ongoing season. Dube has scored 290 runs at an average of 36.25 including three half-centuries. He has hit as many as 24 sixes in the ongoing tournament.
"Through Stephen Fleming and MSD (Dhoni), they have been very clear in the role they see him playing and how they see him playing at his best for us. In his mind, he is so clear about how he needs to go about playing in any situation,” Hussey said.
"It is a floating role, it sort of depends on the situation of the game and on who the opposition are bowling," he added.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
IPL 2023: Check complete list of top 5 run-scorers and wicket-takers as the race for Orange and Purple Cap heats up
Big News: England's T20 specialist replaces injured Jofra Archer in Mumbai Indians' squad for remainder of IPL 2023
