12.6 C
Manchester
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Other SportsIndia v England: Stokes set to bowl in Ranchi

India v England: Stokes set to bowl in Ranchi

Ben Stokes looks set to hand England a major boost by playing as an all-rounder in the fourth Test against India, which starts on Friday.

Stokes has not bowled in this series after undergoing knee surgery in the immediate aftermath of last year’s World Cup but went through a full workout this morning in Ranchi, sending down deliveries at full pelt for almost an hour.

Read our other sports news stories here:
Ashworth’s in-tray – five things he must address at Old Trafford
Haaland will ‘shut your mouth’ – Guardiola
Alcaraz suffers ankle injury in Rio

With a turning pitch expected, it could be captain Stokes acts as England’s second seamer, allowing the tourists to include three frontline spinners.

England vice-captain Ollie Pope told the Guardian: “We know what Stokes is like, he’s got that competitive edge. There’s every chance he’ll bowl, but he’s not confirmed it yet. We will see how he pulls up. 

“If that’s good, hopefully we will see him with the ball in hand in the game.

“When he’s going, it’s pretty tough to get the ball out of his hand to be honest. 

“If he’s got full confidence in his knee I guess you’ve got to trust the medical advice and his opinion as well. If he needs a bit of guidance on the field I can be someone to lean on.”

India have rested star paceman Jasprit Bumrah for this match, primarily to manage his workload, but it does give another indication that the pitch could suit spinners.

Pope added: “The pitch looks interesting, very ‘platey’. There are quite a few cracks at the minute. The cracks in the wicket aren’t just cracks, there are separate bits of ground that could open up with a lot of sun on them. The ball could deviate more off them if they open up like we expect them to.

“If it does spin from ball one I guess it’s an even playing field. It doesn’t define the result, but it does give you an advantage if you win the toss and bat on the slightly flatter wickets.”

England go into the Ranchi Test 2-1 down – losing the last two matches after winning the opener in Hyderabad.

Jon Fisher
Jon Fisher
Jon has over 20 years' experience in sports journalism having worked at the Press Association, Goal and Stats Perform, covering three World Cups, an Olympics and numerous other major sporting events.
Latest

10 Reasons to visit Arighi Bianchi this Autumn

If you’re looking to make your space extra cosy and stylish this season, a visit to Arighi Bianchi in Macclesfield is a must. Plus the furniture and...

Key qualities of ‘the best’ IB school in Singapore

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme is a globally recognised educational framework designed to develop students who are intellectually curious and well-prepared for future challenges. Unlike...

The role of omnichannel communication in strengthening service delivery for critical infrastructure

Critical infrastructure systems support essential services such as power, water, transport, and healthcare. Because these sectors are interconnected, reliable communication is vital for smooth...

Industrial CT scanning explained: How 3D imaging is transforming quality control

Industrial CT (Computed Tomography) scanning is a powerful technology that uses X-rays to look inside objects without harming them. Think of it like a...
Subscribe to our newsletter
Business Manchester will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.
Don't miss

UK accountants reveal fine line between business and pleasure in new survey

A new survey by Cloud2Me at Accountex North uncovers the bizarre side of business expenses, from wedding dresses and boob jobs to £42,000 football...

10 Reasons to visit Arighi Bianchi this Autumn

If you’re looking to make your space extra cosy and stylish this season, a visit to Arighi Bianchi in Macclesfield is a must. Plus the furniture and...

How different indexes reflect the balance between growth and stability

When people talk about “the market,” they often reference one of the major stock indexes — but not all indexes are created equal. Each...

More than half of Brits feel overworked in their jobs, new data reveals

New statistics released this week show that millions of Brits feel overworked in their job, struggling to maintain a healthy work/life balance. According to a...

More News

F1 Australian Grand Prix 2025: Report, result, highlights as Norris savours ‘stressful’ win

Lando Norris praised McLaren's "amazing car" after overcoming unpredictable conditions to beat reigning champion Max Verstappen and win the F1 Australian Grand Prix 2025...

India vs Australia: Preview, expected lineups, how to watch on TV and prediction for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

India vs Australia: The State of Play India will be targeting a third consecutive appearance in the final when they face Australia in the first...

New Zealand vs India: Preview, expected lineups, how to watch on TV and prediction for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

New Zealand vs India: The State of Play Two teams in excellent form meet on Sunday when New Zealand and India collide in their final...