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

#3 Experience

Stokes would've been one of the most experienced players in the England squad

England currently have a 16-man squad, out of which only five of them have played a Test in Australia previously. And all five played in the first Test at the Gabba.

In England’s squad, eight players haven’t even reached the 10-Test mark. Thus, Stokes’ 39-Test experience would’ve been pretty handy.

Moreover, he made his debut in Australia during England’s disastrous 2013/14 trip (where they were thrashed 5-0). He was one of the shining lights on that tour with 279 runs and 15 wickets in four games.

Also, he was appointed the vice-captain of the team. Stokes’ aggressive mindset would’ve been useful to Joe Root who looked a little short of ideas once Steve Smith got going (stonewalling most of England’s plans).