England captain Ben Stokes was observed bowling several deliveries on a secondary pitch in Ranchi in anticipation of the fourth Test against India, scheduled to commence on Friday, February 23.

Stokes, who hadn’t bowled in the series due to a significant knee surgery post the 2023 ODI World Cup, participated in approximately 20 minutes of bowling in Ranchi. He has consistently engaged in brief ball sessions in the nets throughout the series.

You can watch the video here:

https://x.com/prat1204/status/1760159386557952430?s=46

Ben Stokes has previously been good at making the ball swing in an unconventional way. If he bowls a bit in Ranchi, it can make England’s team more balanced and give them an extra choice for bowling.

Brendon McCullum suggested that Ben Stokes might consider utilizing himself as an all-rounder

England’s head coach, Brendon McCullum, expressed optimism regarding Ben Stokes dedicating time in the nets to enhance his bowling skills. McCullum believes that Stokes could be contemplating contributing more to the team with his bowling in Ranchi.

“Well, it’s good that he’s actually getting into a state where he thinks he might bowl. 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,” McCullum told reporters.

Given India’s decision to rest Jasprit Bumrah for the fourth Test, England is also considering rotating their fast bowlers, as both James Anderson and Mark Wood participated in the previous Test.

McCullum mentioned that England has quality pace alternatives like Ollie Robinson and Gus Atkinson if required. He anticipates the pitch to offer more turn in Ranchi.

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