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

#5 Steps up during crunch time

Stokes steps up during crunch situations

During England's first innings in the first Test, the side, after a strong start, looked set for a score of around 400. However, the fall of Dawid Malan’s wicket triggered a collapse as the visitors lost their last six wickets for 56 runs. Again, in the second innings, England lost their last five wickets for 40 runs.

In similar situations during England’s home season earlier this year, Stokes always put his hand up when England were in trouble. He bailed them out of trouble and helped them put up decent totals.

Similarly, with the ball, England had Australia on the mat at 76/4 and then at 209/7. A handy first-innings lead looked set. But that cutting-edge that England’s bowling attack lacked helped the Aussies get to 328. England clearly missed Stokes’ knack of picking up wickets at crucial junctures.

Also, the visitors missed a bowler who could maintain the pressure. James Anderson and Stuart Broad were brilliant but as soon as they were done with their spells, Chris Woakes and Jake Ball could not quite maintain the pressure, leaking runs like a broken tap.

Thus, England clearly missed the ever-reliable Stokes who brings the X-factor to the team.