Why Nasser Hussain wants Ben Stokes to get deliberate Test cricket ban

Ben Stokes picked up his third demerit point for making an ‘inappropriate comment’ during the second day’s play in the ongoing second Test between England and West Indies at the Headingley, Leeds.

Former England cricket captain Nasser Hussain has suggested all-rounder Ben Stokes to earn another demerit point in the third Test of the ongoing series against West Indies in order to avoid a ban during the Ashes this summer. (England vs West Indies: 2nd Test scorecard)

Ben Stokes, who top-scored in England’s first innings with a brisk 100 against West Indies, received one demerit point.(Action Images via Reuters)

Stokes picked up his third demerit point for making an ‘inappropriate comment’ during the second day’s play in the ongoing second Test against West Indies at the Headingley, Leeds.

The incident happened in the 101st over of the Windies innings, when Stokes reacted in frustration after being edged by Shai Hope for a boundary by making an inappropriate comment, which was clearly audible through the stump mic and also heard by the match officials.

READ | Ben Stokes reprimanded for Headingley outburst against West Indies

“If I were (England captain Joe) Root I’d be tempted to tell him to get another demerit point during the third Test at Lord’s (against the Windies), so he’d reach the four-point threshold for a ban and miss two of the forthcoming one-day matches, for which he may have been rested anyway, rather than an Ashes game,: cricket.com.au quoted Hussain as saying.

But if the 26-year-old earns a demerit point in either the third Test or the six white-ball internationals that follow against the West Indies, he would cop a ban but effectively enter the all-important Ashes with a clean slate.

The former skipper said that people know that Stokes has a fiery temper and that’s why they will try to get him to react.

READ | Ben Stokes reveals ‘episode of stupidity’ that made him England cricket superstar

“This winter the Aussies will be going at him with subtle little digs around the bat, knowing that he’s liable to gob off and possibly get banned for a Test,” he said.

The all-rounder had received one demerit point apiece in October and November 2016 for similar verbal offences.