England red ball skipper, Ben Stokes responded to rumors of Steve Smith paying county season for upcoming Ashes preparation.
The most prestigious test series of all time, the Ashes, is just around the corner. England and Australia both team’s preparations are in full swing. After losing out on the last Ashes, Joe Root stepped down as the captain of the England cricket team. Hence, there was a complete overhaul in England’s white-ball management. Ben Stokes succeeded Root as the skipper. Moreover, England signed Brendon McCullum as the head coach.
Since the change, England has set off on a path to revolutionize test cricket. Their ultra-aggressive approach earned them the term “BazBall”. England has emerged as one of the most successful test teams in recent times. However, the upcoming Ashes series will be a litmus test for Ben Stokes led England team.
Ahead of the Ashes, reports emerged that Steve Smith is in talks with multiple county clubs for a short 3-4 matches stint for Ashes preparation. Aside from Smith, more Australian players are attempting to get a game or two in the country to familiarise themselves with the conditions. Ben Stokes is the latest to respond to the rumors.
Ben Stokes prefers Steve Smith to not get any game time in the county championship
England captain, Ben Stokes responded to rumors of Steve Smith featuring in the county championship as a tactic for Ashes preparation. Stokes said that it will be good for county clubs to have high-caliber international players on board. However, at the same time, Ben Stokes would prefer that the Australian cricketers should not get any game time on English soil when such a series is just around the clock.
“I guess it’s good for the county game to see players of Steve’s calibre want to come over and play,” the England skipper said. “But I don’t know”
“I think it’s one of those where you’d probably prefer them not to get any game time out here before the Ashes. But at the same time, it is what it is”
Earlier, Marnus Labuschagne is in agreement with Glamorgan to make a return for the club. Marnus represented Glamorgan in 2019 and scored more than 1000 runs.
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