England will pay for Ben Stokes' stupidity: Shane Warne

Legendary former Australian cricketer Shane Warne has recently said that England are now searching for two players to replace former vice-captain Ben Stokes. The spin wizard also said that Ben Stokes’ fight outside the Bristol nightclub was pure stupidity and the defending champions will have to pay a very high price to make up for his act. Both the sides will lock-horns in Brisbane, the venue for the 1st Ashes Test match.

The visitors are without the service of pacers Steve Finn and Jake Ball, but to their good fortune, all-rounder Moeen Ali is back to full fitness, and he will be taking part in the final practice match, according to England’s coach Trevor Bayliss.

‘England’s main concern is they have to pick two players to replace Ben Stokes,’ Warne told The Sun. ‘He’s a horrific loss… they stand to pay a very high price for the all-rounder’s stupidity.”

Test cricket is poorer for Stokes’ absence: Warne

Warner also went on to say that having Stokes is good for Test cricket. And England will be trying to get him back before it gets too late. “But I have a feeling they are trying hard to find a way for Ben to play a part sooner rather than later in this Ashes series. One thing is certain, Test cricket as a spectacle is poorer for his absence.”

The former great said that certain Englishmen can make up for the loss of Stokes. “Chris Woakes is a good all-rounder and he will play and the off-spinning all-rounder Moeen Ali’s numbers are just as good as Stokes’. Coming in at No7, he’s a big player for England.” he said.

Veteran pacer James Anderson was earlier named the vice-captain of the Three Lions for the Ashes series. The contest will surely spice up at the arrival of Stokes. And as Australia’s deputy David Warner said, everyone has got their eyes on the verdict.