Ben Foakes glove-work will once again grace the international stage as England captain Ben Stokes confirmed the wicketkeeper’s return for the first Test against India in Hyderabad. After a year’s absence, Foakes’ “special talent” behind the stumps promises to be a crucial weapon in the grueling series opener.
The 30-year-old batter-keeper averaged a respectable 32.20 across his 20 prior appearances, including two memorable centuries. He missed out on the Ashes due to Jonny Bairstow’s comeback, but the unexpected departure of Harry Brook opened the door for his return.
Ben Stokes, brimming with praise for Ben Foakes, declared, “He can not only do things other keepers can’t, but also make them look incredibly easy. He’s a very special talent behind there, and having someone like that who can maybe take a 2%, 3% chance, that could be massive in the series.”
Ben Foakes: The missing piece?
Conquering India on their home turf is no easy feat. The hosts haven’t been defeated in a Test series since 2012, with England themselves being the last victors, in a remarkable 3-1 comeback over a decade ago. Spin bowling played a starring role in that triumph, and in the absence of the visa-troubled Shoaib Bashir, uncapped left-arm spinner Tom Hartley might get his chance alongside Jack Leach to weave their magic on the turning pitches.
“Tom is someone who’s very tall,” explained Stokes, highlighting Hartley’s potential advantage. “He bowls at a very difficult pace to be able to handle out here. He’s someone who gets a lot of natural variation, which in India, is sometimes the hardest thing to face.”
Ben Stokes himself, recently recovered from knee surgery, faces questions about his bowling fitness. Though he hasn’t bowled since the Ashes, he assures the team, “I’d never put myself ahead of the team if I didn’t think I could go out and play at a certain level. I’ve done everything I needed to do to say I’m ready to go and play a Test match for England. I might have some long days in the field, but I’m ready.”
With Ben Foakes talent bolstering the lineup and spin bowling holding the key to success, England are set for a thrilling battle against India on their home soil. Whether they can repeat the heroics of 2012 remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Ben Foakes return adds a crucial spark to their quest for victory.
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