England skipper Ben Stokes gives hint about his return to bowling ahead of final two Tests

The 32-year-old England skipper all-rounder Ben Stokes might resume his bowling in the final two Tests against India. World Cup winner Ben Stokes hasn’t bowled since June last year. He had surgery on his left knee at the end of November last year after that he participated in the series only as a batter.

Ben Stokes resumed his bowling before the second Test in Vizag. and got to bowling at near full tilt in practice at Rajkot. It’s not yet sure whether he will bowl in Rajkot or not, but it can happen if the player feels fully comfortable during the match. England head coach Brendon McCullum felt the same. He thought what Ben Stokes was doing was right for the team. He can bowl short spells if he feels discomfort in longer spells.

Brendon McCullum thinks skipper Ben Stokes is clever and he can read the game as per the situation

“Well, it’s good that he’s actually getting into a state where he thinks he might bowl,” McCullum said. “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. 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.”

England lost consecutive Tests in Visakhapatnam and Rajkot. Stokes said in the ongoing press conference that he felt ‘pretty good’ after bowling in the nets before the start of the fourth Test in Ranchi. The right-arm pacer had taken 197 wickets in 100 Tests and did exceptionally well as a pacer. If he bowls, England will get extra options apart from James Anderson and Mark Wood. His reverse swing and change of pace can be a good option for England in the fourth Test.