Ben Stokes a misfit in England’s T20 World Cup 2022 team, says Michael Atherton

Ben Stokes in action for England

Ben Stokes is currently in Australia as part of his side’s three-T20I assignment against the hosts. The matches serve as England’s final set of fixtures prior to the T20 World Cup ‘Down Under’ later this month.

As Stokes continue to honour his national commitments, England cricket commentator Michael Atherton has raised his doubts over the all-rounder’s credibility in the T20I team.

Michael Atherton believes Ben Stokes is a “shoo-in” to T20I team

Prior to the ongoing series in Australia, Ben Stokes last played a T20I for his country more than a year ago. The cricketer has since been appointed as England’s Test captain. A few months later, he announced his retirement from ODI cricket to focus on Tests and T20Is.

Michael Atherton recently stated that while Stokes is a “shoo-in” to England team, he has not played the format for quite some time. The cricketer-turned-commentator believes that the team already has experienced T20 all-rounders in the form of Sam Curran and Chris Jordan who can bat in the middle overs.

While interacting with Sky Sports, Atherton said:

“You could have both Curran and Jordan in the playing XI. Stokes is a shoo-in to this team, but has not played much T20 for quite some time. But if you look at this format, the truth is that he has just not played that much. So, maybe Malan at No.3, Brook at No.4 and then you can fit in Curran and Jordan.”

England, led by Jos Buttler, will commence their T20 World Cup 2022 campaign with a Group A match against Afghanistan on October 22 in Perth.

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