England’s talismanic all-rounder and captain, Ben Stokes, has dropped a subtle hint suggesting his readiness to resume bowling duties for the remainder of the series against India. This potential return to bowling action would mark a significant development for Stokes, who hasn’t showcased his red-ball bowling prowess since the Ashes series last year.
Stokes refrained from bowling in the initial three Tests of the India series due to his ongoing recovery from a knee operation. However, his absence as a bowler has been palpable, especially as India surged ahead, clinching victories in two consecutive Tests to claim a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.
The prospect of utilizing Stokes as a bowler presents England with the opportunity to field a more balanced XI for the crucial fourth Test, set to commence on Friday. When queried about the prospect following his team’s hefty 434-run loss to India in the third Test at Rajkot, Stokes maintained an air of optimism but stopped short of making any definitive declarations.
I’m not saying yes, I’m not saying no,
Stokes mused in response to inquiries about his bowling participation for the remainder of the India series.
Me being me, I’m always very optimistic about most things. This will be a more detailed chat with the medical team about what workload I have done to pass me off as not being a massive risk.
Stokes revealed his recent bowling activities during warm-up sessions, indicating his readiness to contribute with the ball. However, he exercised caution, acknowledging the need for prudence in managing his workload to avoid risking further setbacks.
Should Stokes make himself available as a bowler, England could opt for a strategic reshuffle, possibly integrating him into a three-player pace attack alongside James Anderson and Mark Wood. Alternatively, he could bolster a spin-heavy lineup featuring Rehan Ahmed, Tom Hartley, and fellow all-rounder Joe Root.
England coach Brendon McCullum emphasized the importance of assessing conditions in Ranchi before finalizing the team composition. He highlighted the depth of England’s squad, with players like Ollie Robinson and Gus Atkinson waiting in the wings, ready to seize their opportunity if called upon.
While McCullum acknowledged the positive signs of Stokes considering a return to bowling, he stressed the need for caution, mindful of managing Stokes’ workload effectively. He expressed confidence in Stokes’ decision-making prowess, ensuring that any return to bowling action would be undertaken judiciously to minimize the risk of injury.
As the fourth Test looms, England’s selection decisions remain contingent on various factors, including Stokes’ fitness, pitch conditions and strategic considerations. Nonetheless, McCullum reiterated his unwavering support for the squad, emphasizing the team’s resilience and adaptability in confronting the challenges posed by the Indian subcontinent conditions.
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