Whatever happens tomorrow, Ben should be in the England team at six for the next test.
I know his batting form has been patchy this season, but it is improving and he is clearly a test class batsman in the making. Johnny Bairstow looks a little lost and lacking in technique outside his off stump right now and you would think Ben would get at least as many runs.
And then there is Stokes' bowling which has made a quantum leap in the last year. He would be a boon for England and help take the strain off the four man bowling attack. He is the cricketer England don't have. The management might think the team doesn't really need an all rounder at the moment and in fairness we have done pretty well without one, but any team can be improved by having a guy who can do two jobs.
If it was a question of dislodging or keeping out an obviously proven player then the chance would probably not be worth taking. But it isn't. Bopara could possibly do this job, although his time might have gone and he would lack Stokes' penetration as a bowler.
It won't happen, and if it did it would be bad for Durham, as once England get Stokes in the team a central contract won't be long in coming. But Stokes should play.
I know his batting form has been patchy this season, but it is improving and he is clearly a test class batsman in the making. Johnny Bairstow looks a little lost and lacking in technique outside his off stump right now and you would think Ben would get at least as many runs.
And then there is Stokes' bowling which has made a quantum leap in the last year. He would be a boon for England and help take the strain off the four man bowling attack. He is the cricketer England don't have. The management might think the team doesn't really need an all rounder at the moment and in fairness we have done pretty well without one, but any team can be improved by having a guy who can do two jobs.
If it was a question of dislodging or keeping out an obviously proven player then the chance would probably not be worth taking. But it isn't. Bopara could possibly do this job, although his time might have gone and he would lack Stokes' penetration as a bowler.
It won't happen, and if it did it would be bad for Durham, as once England get Stokes in the team a central contract won't be long in coming. But Stokes should play.
