Botham: Stokes bowling key to England’s Ashes hopes

“I hope that he’s fit enough to bowl and strong enough because I think that will be crucial”; Sir Ian Botham believes Ben Stokes’ bowling could be key to England’s hopes of regaining The Ashes in Australia and does not expect James Anderson or Stuart Broad to play every Test

By PA Media

Last Updated: 21/11/21 11:30am

Ben Stokes will have a big role to play with the ball during The Ashes, says Sir Ian Botham (Pic credit – BCCI)

Sir Ian Botham believes Ben Stokes’ bowling could be key to England’s chances of winning the Ashes in Australia.

Botham says he never doubted Stokes’ participation after the Durham all-rounder took an indefinite break from cricket in July to rest his finger and prioritise his mental well-being.

“First and foremost, I never thought he wouldn’t be there,” said Botham, who is chairman of Stokes’ county, Durham. “And that’s not inside information, because we didn’t see him at Durham until after the second operation.

“Ben is a match-winner. I hope that he’s fit enough to bowl and strong enough because I think that will be crucial. Because he’s an aggressive bowler.

“Everyone talks about his batting – we know about that – but I think his bowling needs to be used in four or five-over bursts on those Australian pitches when the ball is reasonably new as well.”

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Michael Atherton says the presence of Ben Stokes will be huge for England in Australia this winter, because there are few players in the game like the all-rounder

Michael Atherton says the presence of Ben Stokes will be huge for England in Australia this winter, because there are few players in the game like the all-rounder

Botham has urged England’s selectors “to be brave” when considering their bowling attack and does not think James Anderson or Stuart Broad will feature in every Test.

“There’s no point in us turning up with four 80-mile-an-hour bowlers because that Kookaburra ball, after 10 overs, is going to get smashed to all parts at that pace,” the former England all-rounder said.

“You need people like Mark Wood, Ben Stokes, (Ollie) Robinson – these are the guys that are going to play.

“Jimmy (Anderson) is going to play, but I don’t see him playing all the Tests, and I certainly don’t see Broady playing all the Tests.”

Will Stuart Broad and James Anderson play in every Ashes Test this winter?

Botham added: “You’ve got to look after Jimmy, he’s what, 39 now, so he needs a little bit of TLC, but he will have a part to play.

“Above everything else, he’s a senior pro and he can offer so much advice to the other guys, so it’s essential he’s there”

The first Test starts at The Gabba in Brisbane on December 8 and the fifth and final Test is scheduled for Perth’s Optus Stadium on January 14.

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