The Ashes 2017-18: West Indies legend Viv Richards says England look like ‘kittens’ without Ben Stokes with them Down Under
WEST INDIES legend Viv Richards has incredibly claimed England look like “kittens” without Ben Stokes.
Stokes has been suspended by England pending a police investigation following a brawl in Bristol.
England will look like “kittens” in Australia without Ben StokesAFP
Now, Richards believes England lack the heart and stomach to beat Australia, particularly with their “fragile” middle-order.
As the fearsome rivalry that is the Ashes gets set to reignite Richards said: “I’m a fan of Ben Stokes.
“I feel England do need that all-rounder with a little bit of heart and brings some stomach into the game as well.
“He’s solid physically. I think you need all this stuff Down Under, because the Aussies… they bring it.
Viv Richards has taken aim at England for their fragility without Ben StokesGetty
“It will be quite crucial [to have him] in Australia.
“Let me say this, without Ben Stokes the English team is going to look like kittens in my opinion.”
Meanwhile, the legendary West Indies batsman added he has not been impressed with England’s middle-order in recent months.
Richards claimed: “What I saw when I came here [to England]… the middle order was a bit fragile.
England's Ashes Test schedule
Nov 23-27 First Test (Brisbane) Dec 2-6 Second Test (Adelaide) Dec 14-18 Third Test (Perth) Dec 26-30 Fourth Test (Melbourne) Jan 4-8 Fifth Test (Sydney)
Viv Richards has also hit out at the “fragile” middle-order of EnglandGetty
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“They kept chopping and changing. You can get away with that against West Indies, I’m not sure you will against Australia.”
Meanwhile, Steven Finn has been sent home after scans revealed severe damage to his knee.
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