Whereas it’s all the time intriguing to see how a brand new skipper goes about issues, England’s technique is ingrained, so we’re unlikely to witness any radical modifications. It’s a blow to lose Stokes’ aura, character and tactical creativity, but it’s also invaluable for Pope to be taught the job within the occasion of one other damage to the skipper, or for when Stokes is captain no extra.
What Pope will quickly realise, if he isn’t already effectively conscious, is shedding Ben Stokes the captain is as problematic as shedding Ben Stokes the all-rounder. In that sense, Stokes actually is irreplaceable.
When Stokes’ knee issues had been at their worst, England both muddled via with Chris Woakes and Moeen Ali as all-rounders, or misplaced slightly stability by fielding solely 4 specialist bowlers.
It’s subsequently barely curious that, on this event, England have chosen to switch Stokes with a seamer in Matthew Potts. If, say, Stokes had been match to bat however not bowl, England most likely would have reverted to solely 4 bowlers, as they’ve up to now.
We will guess on the reasoning. With all due respect to Sri Lanka, England might really feel they will get away with a barely longer tail than if this was the primary Ashes Check in Perth. Wicketkeeper Jamie Smith has already proven his potential to bat within the high six and Woakes, at seven, might be the following finest all-rounder within the nation behind Stokes. Three Exams in three weeks is another excuse to unfold the pace-bowling load throughout 4 males, reasonably than three.
If the stability of the England staff is sub-optimal, then so is asking Dan Lawrence to open instead of the injured Zak Crawley.
