Ashes 2023: "For England To Win, Ben Stokes Has To Be Fully Fit," Brad Hogg Feels English Skipper's Fitness Will be Crucial For Team

Former Australian cricketer Brad Hogg feels that English skipper Ben Stokes should be fully fit for England to win the upcoming Ashes 2023. He said that he with his bowling can turn the game on his head and can win matches.

Ashes 2023 is just a couple of sleeps away from now. The much-anticipated series between England and Australia will begin from 16th June followed by the Lord’s Test on 28th June. The third game will be played on July 6th in Leeds whereas the last two games are slated to take place on July 19th and July 27th at Manchester and the Oval respectively.

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But for them, the fitness of their skipper Ben Stokes will be crucial. The all-rounder has been battling a knee injury for a while, which has restricted him from bowling. He hasn’t bowled in Test cricket since the series against New Zealand in 2022/23 and was even on the sidelines during the IPL 2023.

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Brad Hogg is also on the same page and feels that if Ben Stokes bowls in the series, he can trouble Australian batters. Speaking in a video that he posted on his Instagram account, he said:

“For England to win, Ben Stokes has to be fully fit to add to that bowling depth. He is aggressive, and fast and bowls that short-pitched ball at the body that troubles most of the Australian batters. He will be crucial with his fitness.”

Also Read: Ashes 2023: “Australia Will Have To Keep Ben Stokes Out Of The Game” – Justin Langer

Ashes 2023: “McCullum has got his team operating like a well-oiled machine,” says Brad Hogg

Ever since Brendon McCullum has taken over as the coach of the English side, they have looked completely different. Their Bazball approach has seen them thumping the opposition both at home as well as away.

They defeated New Zealand, India, South Africa, Pakistan and Ireland and are yet to lose the series under the new skipper and coach. Out of the 13 Tests they have played, they have won 11 out of them and have toiled with the opposition.

Brad Hogg lauded Brendon McCullum for the success of the England team and said that he’s perfect lithium batteries to charge his troops. He explained:

“McCullum has got his team operating like a well-oiled machine. England has been the best Test team over the past 12 months and there’s no doubt about that. He has got the perfect lithium batteries to charge his troops.”

England hasn’t lost the Ashes series at home since 2001. They would be eager to maintain the record. So far in the 72 Ashes series, Australia has won 34 whereas England has come out victorious on 32 occasions.

Also Read: Ashes 2023 “I Was Angry At The Time” – Usman Khawaja Reveals He Was Annoyed After Justin Langer Dropped Him From ODI Team

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