Ben Stokes doesn't fit very well in England's T20 World Cup squad, reckons Michael Atherton

Former England's skipper Michael Atherton has said that the prominent all-rounder Ben Stokes does not fit in England's team going to play in the upcoming 2022 T20 World Cup. Atherton also emphasized the fact that the likes of Sam Curran or Chris Jordan could have replaced him. 

On contrary, Atherton also said that Stokes is a big match player and his experience can be used in the upcoming competition. To note,  Stokes has not been a regular feature of the English squad when it comes to T20I cricket, but he is currently participating in the three-match T20I series against Australia.  

Stokes is a shoo-in to this team but has not played much T20 for quite some time: Michael Atherton 

"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. On the plus side you think that it's a big tournament and he is a big game player, Atherton said in an interaction with Sky Sports.

"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," he further added.

Atherton also talked about some other issues with the English team. "There are a few issues surrounding the England team. One of which is injuries, the other issue is at the top of the order. Salt did well in Pakistan and is pushing Alex Hales," said Atherton. 

The Three Lions have defeated Australia in the first match of the three-match T20I series after winning the game on October 9. England under the leadership of the skipper Jos Buttler will want to win the series against the World T20 champions before entering the T20 World Cup. England was knocked out of the 2021 T20 World Cup after being thrashed by New Zealand in the semi-final match of the tournament.