Will Ben Stokes resume bowling | To help England chances
IND vs ENG: Garry Sobers and Jacques Kallis are the only two individuals to have amassed 6000 runs and 200 wickets in a Test match. Ben Stokes is three wickets away from joining this exclusive group.
Due to injury concerns, England captain Ben Stokes has been a reluctant bowler for the past two years. Following the 2023 ODI World Cup, Stokes underwent knee surgery to address a chronic ailment that may eventually allow him to resume bowling.
The 32-year-old, who played as a specialist batsman in the World Cup and the following games, hasn’t bowled since the Ashes in mid-2023. After India humiliated him by 434 runs in the third Test match in Rajkot, Stokes hinted that he would go back to bowling, which is a crucial part of his all-around Test cricket skills.
Only two guys have ever achieved the Test double of 6000 runs and 200 wickets: Garry Sobers and Jacques Kallis. Stokes is three scalps away from entering this exclusive group. Thirteen of Stokes’ 39 Test wickets against India have come in the same innings in Indian conditions.
Under the leadership of leggie Rehan Ahmed, off-spinner Shoaib Bashir, and left-arm spinner Tom Hartley, England’s spin department has struggled due to inexperience. Joe Root, a star batsman, has also contributed with seven wickets with his off-breaks. An injury sidelined top spinner Jack Leach for the remainder of the series, which was a further setback. In the first two Tests, England went with a lone pacer; in the third Test, they combined James Anderson and Mark Wood.
England’s assault could have more depth and variation if Stokes is well enough to roll his arm over. While Stokes has been bowling in the nets during the tour, the circumstances of the next two Test matches, which will be held in Ranchi and Dharamsala, respectively, may ultimately determine whether or not he can return at full strength.
After the third Test, Stokes expressed optimism by saying, “I had my first bowl (in the nets) at 100%.” I tend to jump the gun a little too much as a person. I need to acclimate my entire body to bowling. Thus, I’m not saying yes, but I’m also not saying no.
Potential Changes to England’s Playing XI
Stokes’ availability as a bowling option opens up several possibilities for England‘s playing XI. In the previous Tests, England opted for a spin-heavy attack, relying on one seamer alongside four spinners, including Joe Root. However, the lack of firepower in the pace department became evident in the third Test, where India amassed a massive total.
With Stokes’ return to bowling, England could consider a more balanced approach. They could field three seamers, including James Anderson and Mark Wood, alongside their frontline spinners. This would provide England with the best of both worlds, combining the guile and skill of their spinners with the raw pace and aggression of their fast bowlers.
Stokes’ Journey Towards Bowling Recovery
Ben Stokes’ absence from bowling has been a significant setback for England in recent times. The star all-rounder last bowled competitively during the second Ashes Test against Australia at Lord’s in June 2023. Following that, he underwent an operation on his left knee at the end of November to aid his recovery for the India tour. Since then, Stokes has been working diligently to regain his bowling form.
Despite initially ruling out bowling during the India series, Stokes has shown remarkable progress in his rehabilitation. His training sessions in India have seen him gradually increase his bowling intensity, culminating in him bowling at full throttle during warm-up sessions in Rajkot. This development has sparked optimism among fans and the England camp, raising hopes of his return to the bowling crease.
Decision-Making Process
Brendon McCullum highlighted that the final decision on Stokes’ inclusion in the playing XI would depend on various factors. The team management would assess the conditions in Ranchi and evaluate the fitness of the squad before making a final call. McCullum also acknowledged the presence of other talented players on the sidelines, such as Ollie Robinson and Gus Atkinson, who could be considered for selection based on the prevailing conditions.
The England camp remains confident in their squad’s abilities, having witnessed outstanding performances from the players in the first three Tests. Regardless of the final XI, McCullum emphasized that the team would fully back the chosen players and strive for a better outcome in the upcoming Test. The focus will be on adapting to the conditions and executing their game plan effectively.
Conclusion
The potential return of Ben Stokes as a bowling all-rounder in the Ranchi Test against India has generated excitement and speculation among cricket fans. Stokes’ journey towards recovery, coupled with his positive signs and cautious approach, bodes well for his comeback. If he does make a return to bowling, it could provide a significant boost to England’s chances in the series.
The final decision on Stokes’ inclusion in the playing XI will depend on various factors, including the conditions in Ranchi and the overall fitness of the squad. Regardless of the outcome, the England team remains confident and determined to put up a strong performance. As fans eagerly await the Ranchi Test, the potential return of Ben Stokes to bowling promises to add an extra layer of excitement and intrigue to the proceedings.
