England vs India 2018: Nasser Hussain Backs Ben Stokes, Urges Him to 'Look at Himself'

Former England, skipper Nasser Hussain, has backed the return of Ben Stokes for the third Test against India at Trent Bridge in Nottingham. But at the same time, he has admitted that he must ‘look ‘at himself

Meanwhile, Bristol Crown Court cleared Stokes of any charges, and subsequently, the selectors added him to the squad for the impending Test.

Hussain believes Stokes should slot directly into the first XI after missing the second Test while attending his trial. He also lauded Stokes for coping up mentally and physically over the last few months.

“As far as selection goes, Ben is one of the best XI cricketers in the country and has been found [not guilty] in a court of law, although, obviously, [coach] Trevor Bayliss and [captain] Joe Root have to look at Ben mentally,” Hussain told Sky Sports News.

 

“I am amazed how well he has coped mentally over the last few months with this hanging over him. As long as they feel he is mentally fit for selection then they should pick him,” Nasser Hussain adds.

However, the former England cricketer believes Stokes should have a look at himself who has been in the news for wrong reasons. He said the Stokes he knows is a straightforward guy who loves to play cricket.

Ben Stokes portrayed in newspapers is not the one he knows: Nasser Hussain

Hussain also added that the image portrayed in media for the last few months is the not one he knows.

The star batsman also added that the image portrayed in media for the last few months is the not one he knows.

“Importantly, I think Stokes needs to have a long, hard look at himself. It’s a couple of times now he has been in the press for the wrong reasons.

 

“The Ben Stokes who I see around the cricket team is a popular, down-to-earth, very pleasant individual. But I only see Stokes at cricket, so Ben has to make a decision. The image we see of him at cricket is probably not the image newspapers have portrayed in the last six months,” Nasser Hussain concluded.

Meanwhile, the third Test against India starts from August 18 at Trent Bridge. England leads the five-match Test series 2-0 and will look seal it in the next outing.