'It will be a huge concern for England' - Michael Hussey on Ben Stokes' injury and lack of preparation for the Ashes

Former Australia batter Michael Hussey feels that Ben Stokes’ lack of game practice will be a huge concern for England. The all-rounder was dismissed for just five runs in the visitor’s first innings. He did not appear at his absolute best with the ball as well.

Stokes conceded 65 runs and went wicketless in the 12 overs he bowled. He also suffered an injury and looked in utmost discomfort on day two of the first Ashes Test. However, though he came back to bowl on day three, Hussey feels that his injury might raise huge concerns for the visitors.

“It will be a huge concern for England. He is a world-class all-rounder and such a key man in the team. He offers so much balance, virtually three players in one. He looked like he was struggling with a knee injury that seemed to be getting even more sore as the match wore on,” Hussey said on Cricbuzz.

We knew that it was going to be a challenge for Ben Stokes coming into the series: Michael Hussey

Stokes had previously taken an indefinite break from cricket to focus on his mental health and was also recovering from a finger injury. He last played competitive cricket when he captained the Northern Superchargers against Trent Rockets in The Hundred.

Hussey thus reckoned that it was always going to be a challenge for the all-rounder to make an impact in the series after having limited preparation. He mentioned the no-balls Stokes bowled in the match and pointed that his form and fitness will be a huge worry for England going forward.

“We knew that it was going to be a challenge for him coming into the series because he was coming in with very limited preparation. He hasn’t played for five or six months and it isn’t easy to come straight into an Ashes series and have an impact. Lack of preparation has certainly shown.

Even in his bowling, those big no-balls against David Warner also showed a lack of rhythm coming in. When you have been playing lots of cricket and you are in your groove, that sort of thing doesn’t happen, so it is a big concern for England moving forward,” Hussey added.