Ashes 2017/18: Five reasons why England are missing Ben Stokes

#2 Impact Player (X-factor)

Stokes is an impact player and lends impeccable balance to the team

Every team craves for an all-rounder who can bat in the top 6, bowl crucial overs and lend stability to the side. Ben Stokes is exactly that kind of a player.

He can bat at No. 5 or No. 6 and is quite consistent. Every time he bats, he tends to take the game away from the opposition. He is a typical attacking batsman who can change gears and according to the situation.

This was evident when he walked out to bat at 30/4 against New Zealand at Lord’s and scored a fantastic 101. Most of his hundreds have come when England have been in a spot of bother. Moreover, he can bowl at any time of the innings. He has the ability to bowl long spells and also possesses the knack of picking up crucial wickets. In addition to this, he can consistently bowl over 140 kmph which is vital in Australian conditions.