Ashes 2023: Ben Stokes has had the edge over Pat Cummins in clash of captains, says Nasser Hussain

Nasser Hussain feels that when it comes to the clash of captains, Ben Stokes has had the edge over Pat Cummins despite Australia retaining the Ashes.

During the course of the Ashes 2023 series, Stokes and Cummins have stood up for their team both as players and skippers. The England captain has scored 360 runs in the series and his valiant effort at Lord’s was reminiscent of his match-winning knock at Headingley four years ago.

Cummins has picked up 16 wickets in the four matches played and also played an important knock at Edgbaston to see the team home.

Hussain praised both men for their efforts for their respective sides in his column in the Daily Mail, but said Stokes’ ability to turn around England’s fortunes gives him a slight edge over Cummins. The former England captain said that despite some initial missteps, Stokes has successfully demonstrated how to strike a balance between absorbing pressure and launching an attack. His clear command over the team and the significant progress made under his leadership make him stand out in this series.

“My belief is that winning is still the most important thing — and England believe that deep down, too. They have just found an approach that increases their chances of victory. So that messaging was a bit over the top. But what Stokes did magnificently with the bat after that was show his side how to get the balance right. He absorbed pressure at Lord’s, then attacked when England were six down.”

“At Headingley, he attacked Todd Murphy with only one wicket to fall. And there has not been a better illustration of what Bazball is about than the way England batted at Old Trafford.”

“There is no captaincy by committee with Stokes. It is clear he is the man in charge.”

“England should have been more ruthless in the first two Tests, but for the distance his side have travelled under his leadership, I give Stokes the edge over Cummins,” said Hussain.