How do you replace the irreplaceable? In the case of Ben Stokes, who England know is just that, it is nigh-on impossible. That’s why it’ll take a team effort to fill the void left by the absence of the talismanic captain at The Oval this week.
Coach Brendon McCullum cut a concerned figure on Tuesday when speaking about Stokes’ wellbeing in the aftermath of the curfew-busting night out the all-rounder had with Gus Atkinson following the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s.
It seems unlikely he will be back for the third and final Test of this series in Nottingham next week – or if he’ll ever captain his country again.
For now, it’s to be hoped Stokes is okay and can return to the England team when he is good and ready.
McCullum has said he is worried about the suspended Stokes (Photo: Getty)
