Former England fast bowler Darren Gough believes missing the services of talismanic all-rounder Ben Stokes has hurt England in the ongoing Champions Trophy. Stokes had previously retired from ODI cricket in 2022, citing the risk of burn-out in hectic scheduling at the International level.

Stokes has always been a match-winner for the Three Lions and played a match-winning knock of 84 runs off 98 balls in the 2019 ODI World Cup final against New Zealand. 

Gough said Stokes’ absence is not helping England maintain a balance in their team. England suffered a five-wicket loss against arch-rivals Australia in their opening game of the ongoing Champions Trophy.

Speaking to Hindustan Times, Gough said, “Missing Ben Stokes has hurt them. He’s such a vital player – batting, bowling, fielding, he does it all. His absence is similar to India missing (Hardik) Pandya. Without that balance, England have struggled.”

On the other hand, England could not defend 351 against Australia at Lahore. Gough reckons the Jos Buttler-led team didn’t have the right bowling plans against the Aussies.

“When they get it right, it’s unbelievable to watch. With the ball, we don’t seem to have a plan. We have three out-and-out fast bowlers. Gone are the days when you can just bowl short. We got found out in India. In the first match, 350 on board should’ve been game over. They have to come back strong,” Gough said (as per the aforementioned source).

Ben Duckett scored a majestic knock of 165 runs against Australia but his knock went in vain as England could not defend the score. Earlier, England also suffered a 0-3 loss against India before the Champions Trophy

England will face Afghanistan in a must-win contest at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Wednesday.