‘I don’t like it being used as a benefit to us or…’ Ben Stokes talks about injuries of players ahead of 3rd Test match in Rajkot

Ben Stokes has won millions of hearts with some of his statements ahead of the 3rd Test match against India in Rajkot. As a lot of players are injured from the Indian team, unlike other teams, Stokes had a very different perspective on it. As per the English captain, he wanted India to play with their full team and didn’t want to take the absence of players as an advantage for the England team.

Stokes said, “KL sustained an injury in the first game and that has kept him out. I said the other day that Virat not being here, I don’t like it being used as a benefit to us or a disadvantage to India,” Stokes said ahead of England’s training session. There are some specific reasons as to why he is not playing in this series and it should be left to that as opposed to an advantage or disadvantage to any side.”

India will be playing against England without star players like KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, and Shreyas Iyer. Considering the inclusion of players like Dhruv Jurel and Devdutt Padikkal, India will be hoping to win the rest of the matches with the youngsters’ help.

‘It was a pretty flat wicket and looking at it today I think it looks good’ – Ben Stokes on Rajkot pitch 

The England team will be looking forward to winning the toss and batting first as the captain Ben Stokes claims the Rajkot pitch to be flat. During the interview, Stokes said that the wicket is flat and they’ll be playing an extra pacer in the match. As per the captain, playing two seamers might benefit them in the 3rd match.

“Taking a bit of knowledge from the last Test we played here a long time ago. It was a pretty flat wicket and looking at it today I think it looks good. Bringing in an extra seamer is the option we have gone with because we think that is going to give us the best chance of winning this week. Baz (coach Brendon McCullum) does all the good and bad news and I am there for the players to (have) any further conversations with that,” said Stokes.