Ben Stokes is set to play the fourth Test in opposition to India as an all-rounder following a prolonged exercise in the nets two days out from a must-win recreation.
The England captain has not bowled competitively in a match because the second Ashes Test at Lord’s final summer time, with a torn meniscus and bone spurs in his left knee having been operated on final November following the World Cup.
The 32-year-old, three wickets away from 200 in Test cricket, had initially meant to bowl solely in coaching on this tour, making a “pinky promise” to England physio Ben Davies he wouldn’t throw himself into the warmth of battle.
But along with his aspect 2-1 down to India with two to play, and a doubtlessly turning monitor in Ranchi possible to require a 3rd frontline spinner in the XI – a recall for Shoaib Bashir, as the one spare sluggish bowler in the squad – Stokes is poised to break that promise.
He spent the most effective a part of an hour bowling full pelt in the nets on Wednesday – the primary time he has had batters on the different finish on tour – underneath the supervision of each Davies and the England crew physician for the second half of the journey, Glen Rae.
Ollie Pope, talking after the session, stated: “We know what Stokes is like, he’s got that competitive edge. There’s every chance he’ll bowl, but he’s not confirmed it yet. We will see how he pulls up. If that’s good, hopefully we will see him with the ball in hand in the game.”
Stokes was seen nodding in the affirmative when talking to the medical employees after the session though whether or not anybody has the facility to forestall this early comeback is one other query.
“When he’s going, it’s pretty tough to get the ball out of his hand to be honest,” stated Pope. “If he’s got full confidence in his knee I guess you’ve got to trust the medical advice and his opinion as well. If he needs a bit of guidance on the field I can be someone to lean on.”
India opting to relaxation Jasprit Bumrah for the fourth Test had already triggered discuss of a floor that may spin a lot ahead of these in Hyderabad, Vishakhpatnam and Rajkot. There is an additional day of preparation to comply with earlier than the toss however Pope is assured England are prepared for any problem thrown up.
Pope stated: “The pitch looks interesting, very ‘platey’. There are quite a few cracks at the minute. The cracks in the wicket aren’t just cracks, there are separate bits of ground that could open up with a lot of sun on them. The ball could deviate more off them if they open up like we expect them to.
“If it does spin from ball one I guess it’s an even playing field. It doesn’t define the result, but it does give you an advantage if you win the toss and bat on the slightly flatter wickets.
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“If [this pitch] does a fair bit like we expect it to, having looked at it today, it definitely brings us into the game. We have got some young spinners but they’ve bowled well on some pretty good surfaces, so it definitely brings some wicket-taking opportunities.”
If Bashir does return to the XI, there’s a likelihood it will likely be alongside Ollie Robinson, affording Jimmy Anderson and Mark Wood a breather. Like Stokes, Robinson has not bowled competitively because the Ashes, when he walked off after 11.2 overs at Headingley with again spasms and didn’t return for Sussex late summer time.
The 30-year-old appears in higher bodily form on this tour, having doubled down on his general health, and bowled effectively on the flat surfaces of Pakistan final winter.
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