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Former England captain Nasser Hussain has urged the management to clarify the roles of Joe Root and Ben Stokes in the one-day side, especially with the Champions Trophy looming. He also firmly believes that Root must return to the side.
The former England captain wasn't included in the ODI squad to face Australia in the recent series seemingly to keep him fresh for the Pakistan Test tour. Root hasn't played one-day cricket since the 2023 World Cup final. However, he could be part of England's Champions Trophy 2025 campaign early next year.
Reacting to England's recent series loss to Australia, Hussain said Jos Buttler's return would bolster the 50-overs side, but is unsure of Stokes, given his injury history. The 56-year-old told Sky Sports:
"Buttler comes back, Stokes has said if asked he will come back, and then there is Root. They are brilliant white-ball players. They deserve the right to know what their position is - they are Joe Root and Ben Stokes. Do we want them back? That is they key decision McCullum and Buttler have to make."
"Stokes, I am a bit worried about workload - and now he is a complete all-rounder if he comes back. He is Test match captain and all-rounder which is so important. You want to use him in as many Test matches as possible."
Buttler missed all eight white-ball games against Australia due to a calf injury as Phil Salt captained England in T20Is and Harry Brook did so in ODIs. The hosts drew the T20I series but lost in ODIs 3-2.
"I would have definitely had Root back in the side" - Nasser Hussain
Hussain said that Root's approach against spin would have been critical during the fifth ODI in Bristol as England struggled to counter it. With Pakistan slated to host the Champions Trophy, the veteran feels Root's presence will be vital to counter spin. He added:
"Joe Root, when that collapse was happening. he may have been, he would have been one, who would have been like 'woah it is spinning now. We were hitting down the ground. We are going to have sweeps and reverse sweeps. Get our scores down a bit and go for 350 instead of 400'. He would have used his nous. He is such a good player of spin."
"The Champions Trophy is in Pakistan, it will be played in spinning conditions, sub-continent, you would want Root around. I would have definitely had Root back in the side. Once you get those decision out of the way then you fill the gaps."
England were the defending champions during the most recent T20 World Cup and ODI World Cup but were unsuccessful in retaining their titles.
