The England captain hasn’t bowled a ball in international cricket since the Ashes tournament in 2023. After the ODI World Cup ended, he had surgery on his left knee. Since then, he has been steadily improving and recovering from the surgery.
Ben Stokes is steadily approaching full fitness in terms of his bowling capabilities, which comes as a significant development for the English cricket team as they gear up to stage a comeback in the ongoing five-match Test series against India. Stokes, known for his dynamic all-round skills, has been on a journey to recovery from an injury that has sidelined him from bowling duties for some time. His return to full bowling fitness not only boosts his individual performance but also injects a fresh surge of confidence and strategic options into the England squad. As they find themselves trailing in the series against a formidable Indian side, Stokes’ impending readiness to contribute with both bat and ball presents a promising prospect for England’s prospects in turning the tide of the series. His presence adds depth and versatility to the team’s bowling attack, providing the captain and selectors with more tactical flexibility in crafting their playing XI and devising match-winning strategies. Stokes’ determination and progress towards regaining his bowling prowess serve as a rallying point for the team, instilling a sense of resilience and determination as they strive to mount a comeback and seize victory in the remaining matches of the series.
Ben Stokes’ absence from bowling duties since the 2nd Ashes Test of 2023, where he last delivered a ball at Lord’s, has been notable. His international bowling hiatus continued through the subsequent three Ashes Tests and extended into England’s ODI World Cup campaign in India, all due to concerns stemming from an injury. Despite his significant contributions with the bat, Stokes refrained from bowling, preserving himself for a pivotal return to the bowling crease. Following a period of rehabilitation and surgical intervention, the 32-year-old has been diligently striving to regain his peak form and fitness levels, eager to once again unleash his bowling prowess on the international stage. Recent glimpses of Stokes sending down deliveries during practice sessions at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi, leading up to the fourth Test against India, hint at an imminent return to his all-round responsibilities. This development signifies a promising trajectory towards reintegration into the England squad’s bowling arsenal, underscoring Stokes’ status as one of the premier all-rounders in contemporary world cricket. As anticipation builds for his return to the fold, stakeholders within the cricketing community eagerly await the resumption of Stokes’ multifaceted contributions, poised to impact the outcome of matches with his dynamic presence both with bat and ball.
Watch Ben Stokes operating with the ball in hand:
Ben Stokes has been bowling in the nets ahead of the fourth Test between India and England starting on Friday 🏏 pic.twitter.com/ISWIeJkc1u
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) February 21, 2024
England’s vice-captain, Ollie Pope, expressed the possibility of Ben Stokes bowling during the fourth Test match. Pope indicated that there’s a chance Stokes might take up bowling duties, but emphasized that it hinges on how Stokes feels physically after his recent activities. Pope mentioned during a pre-match press conference that although Stokes hasn’t confirmed his bowling plans yet, it’s encouraging to witness his progress. Ultimately, the decision to bowl will be based on Stokes’ physical condition and how he feels after his recent efforts.
It’s important to mention that the fourth Test match is scheduled to begin on Friday, February 23rd, at the JSCA International Stadium Sports Complex located in Ranchi. This detail highlights the specific date and venue for the upcoming match, providing context for readers or listeners who may be interested in following the event.
England’s Squad
The mentioned lineup comprises the players selected for an upcoming cricket match. It includes Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes as captain, Ben Foakes as wicketkeeper, along with Rehan Ahmed, Tom Hartley, Mark Wood, James Anderson, Shoaib Bashir, Ollie Robinson, Daniel Lawrence, and Gus Atkinson. Each player fulfills a specific role within the team, whether it’s batting, bowling, wicketkeeping, or providing all-round abilities. This detailed list showcases the composition of the team, highlighting the individuals who will represent their side in the forthcoming match.
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