In an unexpected turn of events in the current Test series against India, Ben Stokes, England’s key all-rounder, may resume bowling earlier than anticipated. Despite initially ruling out bowling in the series due to knee surgery in November, he is now contemplating a return to his dual role following England’s recent loss.
“I’m not saying yes, I’m not saying no. Me being me, I’m always very optimistic about most things. That 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.”
“I managed to bowl at 100% in one of the warm-up days here which made me feel pretty good. I felt like I could have bowled in the game but that would have been stupid,” Stokes said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
Brendon McCullum, England’s head coach, shared positive expectations regarding Stokes’ possible comeback to bowling, mentioning.
“Well, it’s good that he’s actually getting into a state where he thinks he might bow. But Ben is clever; he’s really clever as well. He won’t bowl unless he thinks he’s legitimately able to bowl. The problem would be if he starts getting into a spell and then he can’t get out of the spell. So we’ll see what unfolds.”
“If he does get that bit between his teeth, then let’s see where the danger lies there and try and pull him away from it. But it’s a good sign,” McCullum said.
Should Stokes resume bowling, it could greatly improve England’s team equilibrium. The team encountered difficulties in the initial two Tests, heavily relying on spinners with just one seamer. Stokes’ comeback as an all-rounder might offer the team additional options, particularly given his proficiency in reverse swing and ability to bowl bouncers.
We have two excellent alternatives on the bench: McCullum
The Ranchi Test presents a selection dilemma for England, considering the likely fatigue of fast bowlers James Anderson and Mark Wood after the third Test. Stokes potentially returning to bowling could impact the selection, allowing for two seamers and four spin options. Ollie Robinson is anticipated to join, adding depth to the squad.
McCullum is optimistic about the team’s choices, underscoring the strength in alternatives like Ollie Robinson and Gus Atkinson on the sideline. He stressed the need to assess pitch conditions upon arrival and evaluate player fitness before determining the final playing XI.
“We’ve got two really good options on the sideline as well with Ollie Robinson and Gus Atkinson. So we’ve got a really good squad to pick from. We just need to work out when we get there what conditions we’re going to be confronted with and see the health of the army, and then make a decision on what we go with.”
“Obviously we haven’t seen the conditions in Ranchi yet. I think it might spin. I guess it should spin but we’ll see when we get there. But, look, we’re really comfortable with what we’ve got and we’re certainly not going to add to the squad.”
“We’ve got a group of players here who have played some outstanding cricket so far over the last three Test matches and whatever XI we decide to go with we will fully back. Hopefully we’ll be in a different situation to what we’re in now,” McCullum added.
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