‘Bring in Ben Stokes even if he is 99% fit’ – Legendary Pacer wants England to play Ben Stokes even if he’s not fully fit in ODI World Cup 2023
The England cricket team suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Afghanistan team in the ODI World Cup 2023 on October 15 at Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium in Delhi. Notably, Jos Buttler, and Co. restricted the Afghanistan side to just 284 runs; however, they were all out for just 215 runs owing to superb bowling by Afghanistan bowlers. Meanwhile, former India cricketer Irfan Pathan feels the England team still has a full chance to bounce back and can look to defend their title in the ongoing big tournament.
The well-renowed cricket commentator feels England needs star all-rounder Ben Stokes, who can guide their side to terrific wins in the ODI World Cup 2023. Notably, the left-handed star guided England to win the 2019 ODI World Cup and the 2022 T20 World Cup. The cricket analyst feels England won’t get the chance to bounce back if they lose their next game in the event.
“Bring in Ben Stokes even if he is 99% fit. You need him. You brought him for his experience. They won’t have a chance to come back if they lose the next match. It won’t happen every time,” Irfan Pathan said on Star Sports.
In the 2019 World Cup, England lost three matches: Irfan Pathan
The former all-rounder feels England still has the chance to win the ODI World Cup 2023. The great cricketer revealed that England lost the three games against Sri Lanka and Pakistan in the 2019 ODI World Cup, and despite that, they became the World Champions. Moreover, the 38-year-old cricketer feels England should play with their main team with better bowlers who can help them win the games in the ongoing marquee event.
“In the 2019 World Cup, England lost three matches. They lost to Sri Lanka, Pakistan and one more match. They became the world champions despite that. So it’s not that everything is over but if they get too late in playing their main team and their better bowlers, they will not be able to catch the wagon,” he added further.
