‘He’s ready to roar for….’ – Brendon McCullum confirms Ben Stokes’ availability in first Test against India

The Three Lions are ready to play their 5- 5-match Test series against India. The 1st Test match will be held in Hyderabad starting from 25th January. England Test team head coach Brendon McCullum has confirmed that Ben Stokes is fit and ready to lead England against India in the Test series.

On Sunday England team arrived in Hyderabad and had their first training session at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in England. It seems that Ben Stokes had taken part in the training session, but he did not bowl.

Everyone knows his work ethic is phenomenal McCullum on Ben Stokes

Last November England captain Ben Stokes went on left knee surgery. McCullum stated that even with surgery Ben Stokes looked confident about his fitness and work ethic.

“He (Stokes) looks like a greyhound. He’s put the work in, everyone knows his work ethic is phenomenal,” said McCullum. “He’s trained with the squad during our camp in Abu Dhabi last week, but did not bowl. He is unlikely to bowl in the Test series also.”

England is also without their star batter Harry Brook as he has returned to the UK for personal reasons. Dan Lawrence has replaced Harry Brook in the Test series against India. As Harry Brook misses out Ollie Pope may bat at no.3 position. On Monday in training session, Ben Foakes took gloves in practice and Jonny Bairstow was doing fielding practice.

20-year-old uncapped spinner Shoaib Bashir could not join the squad due to visa delay and stayed back in Abu Dhabi. McCullum stated that Bashir’s visa would be approved soon. Stuart Hooper who is England’s managing director of cricket operations has accompanied him in Abu Dhabi. Reham Ahmed whose family is from Pakistan has travelled to India with other team members.

The 5-match Test series between India and England will be an exciting contest between the cricket nations.