England Cricket Team vice captain Ollie Pope has given some positive news on Ben Stokes. Pope has asserted that there is a big chance that Ben Stokes can bowl in the IND vs ENG 4th Test in Ranchi. Though the final decision is yet to be taken, Stokes had a 20 minute bowling session on Wednesday.
England’s lacklustre performance in bowling has been a major concern. This has prompted ben Stokes to Fastrack his bowling preparations. In the previous 3 Tests, Stokes played as a specialist batter. Stokes underwent a knee surgery in winter and owing to workload management pulled out of IPL 2024 to focus on T20 World Cup.
“He will see how he pulls up tomorrow. If he’s not too sore, that’s a positive sign,” Ollie Pope told BBC Sport ahead of the IND vs ENG Ranchi Test.
“He didn’t want to put himself under too much pressure early by saying he’s going to be bowling, so he’s played it day by day with how his knee is feeling. I think he’s been impressed by how his knee has been going,” Pope added.
Taking caution to the wind, Ollie Pope didn’t confirm that Ben Stokes will 100% bowl in Ranchi. He claimed that there is big chance. A decision will be taken later after adequate fitness tests and also seeing how his knee holds.
“He’s had a good bowl against our batters. We know what he’s like, he’s got that competitive edge. There’s every chance he’ll bowl, but he’s not confirmed it yet,” Pope concluded.