New Delhi, May 16 (HS): England’s Test captain Ben Stokes has expressed a lot, a lot of confidence about fully playing his all-rounder role in the upcoming Test series against Zimbabwe and India this summer. Stokes has been focused on recovering from a hamstring injury for the past five months. He mentioned that this time he managed his recovery better than before.
Although he returned to play Tests against Pakistan in October, the same injury resurfaced two months later while bowling in New Zealand. This time, he has taken all precautions to ensure he is fully fit before major series against India and Australia.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Stokes said, I am feeling really good. However, there is a difference between training and actual matches. No matter how much sweat you put in during training, it’s difficult to replicate the intensity of a match. But my role as a player—bowling as a fourth seamer, batting at number 6, and trying to change the game for the team at every opportunity—will remain the same. I am fully confident that I can perform the way I have before.
Reflecting on his hasty return last time, Stokes noted, At that time, I felt that I needed to return quickly, but it harmed me. This time, the medical team and I have decided to get it completely right. The first two months were quite slow and exhausting, but this time the journey has not been as difficult either physically or mentally.
Stokes also shared that he has discussed with coach Brendan McCullum to avoid overexerting himself. We mutually agreed in our discussions that Brendan would guide me better in such matters. I am now 33 years old and do not want to be on the sidelines unnecessarily.
Questions had been raised about the training during England’s recent white-ball series, especially during the tour of India. England’s Managing Director of Cricket, Rob Key, acknowledged that the team’s loose image is their own fault, but Stokes defended his team by saying such criticisms are absolute nonsense.
He stated, When people say we don’t work hard and that we just like to play golf, that’s completely wrong. No player can sustain themselves at the international level for long if they don’t have a habit of hard work. Every player who comes into the England team is commendable for their efforts. Our entire focus is on removing pressure from the players so that they can play freely.
Stokes was being viewed as a temporary ODI captain after Jos Buttler stepped down from the captaincy following the Champions Trophy, but he refused to take on an increased workload. He said, Choosing Harry Brook as captain is absolutely the right decision. I am not part of the white-ball team at the moment, but I haven’t announced my retirement either. If an opportunity arises in the future, that’s fine; if not, I’ll be happy watching the performances of England’s excellent young players.
The England team is preparing for the first Test against Zimbabwe, starting on May 22, in Loughborough this week. Stokes mentioned, The Zimbabwe team has many experienced players, and they will be eager to come to England and defeat us. But we are equally eager to show that we are the better team.
Stokes will take the field without any major match practice, but after the Zimbabwe Test, he will play a practice match for England Lions against India A to prepare for the significant Test series starting against India on June 20. He added, A five-match Test series against India is always extremely challenging both physically and mentally, and this time will be no different.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
