England’s Dilemma: Life Without Ben Stokes and the Rising Star of Sam Curran

English cricket boasts many talented all-rounders, but none quite measure up to Ben Stokes. For nearly ten years, whenever Stokes has been sidelined due to injury, illness, or suspension, or when fitness issues have limited his ability to bowl, the team has faced significant challenges in finding a suitable replacement, often leading to less-than-ideal selections.

Now, as Stokes faces another setback that will keep him out for the rest of the summer and possibly through October’s tour of Pakistan, England is once again grappling with how to fill the void. The selectors have yet to name a replacement, which means the team will either be short a batsman, with Chris Woakes potentially moving up to No. 7, or lack a bowler if Jordan Cox is given his debut at No. 6. The more likely scenario appears to be the former, with Matt Potts or Olly Stone stepping in as a fourth seamer.

At some point during the series, it seems prudent to consider tapping into the pool of all-rounders available. While none can match Stokes’ impact, Sam Curran stands out as an experienced international player currently in excellent form. It would be a missed opportunity not to utilise him against Sri Lanka, as failing to do so could risk losing him from Test cricket altogether at just 26 years old.

This situation isn’t about planning for a future without Stokes—it’s about preparing for his absence should he suffer another injury in the coming 18 months. Since undergoing major surgery on his left knee last November, Stokes has appeared exceptionally fit, shedding 10kg, which might make one forget that he is now 33. He meticulously manages his fitness, balancing training, gym work, and the various formats of the game. Stokes now carefully selects his white-ball appearances, declining lucrative IPL offers and withdrawing from the T20 World Cup to concentrate on his primary role as Test captain. However, at his age, muscle injuries are becoming more frequent and take longer to heal. The many injuries sustained over his 100-Test career, all played at full intensity, add to the challenge.

Whether as the inspirational leader or the team’s versatile all-rounder, Stokes remains England’s most vital player, especially for the upcoming Ashes in Australia. This injury serves as a stark reminder that he will require careful management to ensure he is fit for that series. Even with the best care, his journey may be uncertain.

Curran, on the other hand, represents a classic "Bazball" selection. As demonstrated when England recalled Moeen Ali from retirement for last year’s Ashes or promoted Dan Lawrence to open, they are willing to pick the most aggressive-minded players, regardless of recent experience. Curran has excelled in this year’s Hundred, ranking seventh in run-scoring and second in wicket-taking, proving his form in white-ball cricket.

Though Curran has played just one first-class match in the past two years, a consequence of the competing demands on modern cricketers, his white-ball success is undeniable. His brief County Championship stint last year saw him average 76 with the bat, including a maiden first-class century, as he helped Surrey clinch the title.

Curran’s batting has significantly improved, and he has shown in the Hundred that, like Stokes, he thrives when given more responsibility. Slotting him in at No. 7, between Jamie Smith and Chris Woakes, seems a natural fit. England’s current strategy often includes just one seamer bowling under 85mph, and while Stokes has reached that speed post-surgery, Curran has not. However, Curran offers a different angle with his left-arm swing, providing valuable variation.

Since his last Test appearance before suffering a stress fracture in 2021, Curran has struggled to define his role—whether as a batting or bowling all-rounder. Often labeled as someone who has a knack for “making things happen,” breaking partnerships, and playing impactful cameos, Curran could evolve into a more significant player under Brendon McCullum’s innovative management. He might just become the closest thing England has to a new Stokes.