Home
In the Rajkot Test, England bowlers toiled hard in the sun as three Indian batters scored centuries including in-form opener Yashasvi Jaiswal’s double ton. In the absence of an injured Jack Leach, England could not bowl out India and were asked to chase a mammoth target of 557. It was very clear that England are missing the services of Ben Stokes, the bowler, especially on a pitch that was not too tough for batters. Ahead of the Ranchi Test, Stokes has been seen bowling in the nets. A couple of days ahead of the fourth Test, top-order batter Ollie Pope made it clear that Stokes may bowl in Tests after a big gap of eight months.
"There is definitely a chance, but he has not confirmed yet even in the changing room. He's had a good bowl against our batters," Pope told the reporters on February 21.
"Let's see how he pulls up tomorrow and see how he goes and if that's good we can see a ball in his hand.”
Stokes has been playing as a batter since he has been facing troubles with his knee. After the surgery, he has not bowled a single over in international cricket.
The swashbuckling all-rounder also pulled out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) before the mini-auction. In the previous season of the cash-rich league, he played just two matches for Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
What did McCullum say about Stokes’ bowling chances?
Earlier, England head coach Brendon McCullum wants Stokes to be cautious about returning as a bowler. However, he is optimistic about the 32-year-old’s chances of bowling.
"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 said.
"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."
Stokes' bowling record against India
The pacer has 39 wickets from 19 Tests at an average of 31.53 including one five-wicket haul. However, during England's previous tour of India, he bowled just 42.4 overs in four Tests and picked up five wickets which included a four-fer.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
