Stokes is confident he can be England’s Ashe’s allrounder after ‘working nuts off’ at IPL
Josh Tongue, a rookie, was chosen over Chris Woakes because of his “X-factor,” according to the captain.
Stokes is Ready to Embrace All-Rounder Role for England After IPL Hard Work
Ben Stokes claims that his physical condition was to its initial state in 2019, and he plans to keep his pledge to his teammates to play the allrounder position this summer.
The balance England’s Test captain offers to an XI has been dulled in recent years due to a persistent left knee problem. Towards the year’s conclusion, in New Zealand winter, Stokes acknowledged feeling “extremely frustrated” about his inability to serve as a fourth seamer, bowling just seven overs throughout two Test matches.
After the second Test in Wellington, Stokes vowed to get well while playing for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. He had a cortisone injection in his knee before leaving for India. He only played twice for the eventual champions, delivering just one over without a wicket that ended with a score 18.
Stokes, a landmark INR 16.25 crore (about £1.6 million) signing for the squad and dissatisfied with not getting more playing time, worked with CSK’s medical staff and their ECB counterparts throughout his time on the sidelines to become fit. Furthermore, he feels that his body is in the finest possible condition to have a more significant impact with the ball, beginning against Ireland on Thursday and continuing through the five Ashes Tests this summer.
Stokes said, “I committed myself and my teammates, especially the bowlers, that I will be doing everything I possibly can to be in a position to fill that duty. I’ve been away in India for nine weeks. “I already did that.”The knee is in a lot better position than it was in Wellington. Since I have been in India for the last nine to ten weeks for the IPL, I am no longer able to look back and feel remorse or claim that I did not give myself the best chance to play a top role with the ball this summer.
“I have worked very hard with the Chennai medical staff, who were communicating with the ECB folks and got myself into a position where I think I’m back in the 2019–2020 range in terms of my own body and fitness. I’ve given myself the most significant chance possible, but the mind and the body are very different. I have, however, given myself the most considerable opportunity possible.
While by no means a prolific wicket-taker in the 2019 2-2 tie, Stokes’ 95.1 overs kept England’s assault together with just eight dismissals at 45.25 each. His 24.2 overs during Australia’s second innings of the illustrious Headingley Test were particularly noteworthy. At the same time, a three-minute break for 56 that helped the visitors maintain a 358-run advantage was somewhat overshadowed by the unbeaten 135 that came afterwards.
Stokes hasn’t ruled out receiving further injections to help him get through the demanding stretch of six Test matches in eight weeks. He is motivated to atone for the previous year and to go above and above as he attempts to perform at peak efficiency throughout the summer to repeat prior feats.
“This has been stressful for me, especially with the persistent knee ailment. I worked so hard, and because of that, I am confident I won’t look back on this series and regret any of my choices throughout the preparation phase.
“I’ve given it my all, particularly throughout the winter. Adrenaline is a beautiful feeling that sports and being in the arena provide you. Therefore, it allows you to perform things in a game you couldn’t do through training. I might show up every day and bowl like I did before this minor ailment appeared.
Josh Tongue was chosen because of his “X-factor.”
Stokes justified his selection of Josh Tongue, an unproven Worcestershire seamer, over Chris Woakes as an opportunity to learn more about an unproven player.
Woakes, the Warwickshire allrounder, seems sure to reach the starting lineup for the Lord’s Test, especially in light of his respective averages of 61.20 and 11.33 with bat and ball at this location. However, Tongue has made an impression throughout training, especially with his pace from a more significant release point. He will earn England’s men’s Test cap number 711 on Thursday after an impressive performance on the recent Lions tour of Sri Lanka.
Stokes sees the 25-year-old as an “X-factor” cricketer and plans to evaluate Tongue’s suitability at this level throughout the following week. Even though Woakes hasn’t participated in a Test since March 2022 and missed all of last summer due to a left knee problem of his own, England decided not to force him into action this week in light of what is to come.
“Making the choice was difficult,” remarked Stokes. “We know Woakesy is a very experienced player and what he will offer this team when he plays. It is an excellent opportunity to see someone like Josh Tongue go out and play in a Test. We need someone like him throughout the summer.
“It allows me to see what his character is like and what he is like to operate with as a captain. Woakesy wholly understood that. We won’t plan too much because we don’t know what will happen, but all the bowlers realise they need to be prepared to play every game this summer. It’s exciting we can see another pace bowler come through the ranks.
“Tonguey has been someone who has been spoken about ever since he first came on and played for Worcestershire. He possesses more pace than most of the guys who have been talked about as the next guys in line, and he’s started pretty well this year with Worcestershire.
“Having someone who is able to bowl with that extra pace so he can come on can alter how the game is played and have that ‘X-factor’, is always great to have in your side. I’m looking forward to involving him. and watching him get his Test cap tomorrow.”
Discover the inspiring journey of England’s Test Captain Ben Stokes, as he overcomes challenges, revitalizes his body and mind, and prepares to make a significant impact as an allrounder. Read the article at Indibet now to witness his determination and commitment to the game.
