Debasis Sen in Leeds
The giant screen at the Headingley cricket ground was continuously playing the highlights of the 2019 Ashes Test as the Indian team arrived for their final training session ahead of the opening Test of the five-match series, beginning from Friday (June 20). Stokes played an incredible knock of 135 not out to take his side home, at this same venue, six years ago.
England have won 23 and lost 12 Tests under Stokes since he succeeded Joe Root as the captain. The all-rounder from Durham will be back at the helm for England in what is being billed as an engrossing summer with back-to-back five-Test series against India and Australia.
“We still want to be known as a team who play an exciting style of cricket,” Stokes said in his pre-match press conference.
He added, “(It’s) not that we never wanted to win every game that we played, but it’s changing what we say and how we say it. We want to be playing exciting games of cricket because we know that’s what brings the best out of individuals and us as a team. But it’s about winning.”
The 34-year-old has come under strong criticism from a few former players, including the likes of Michael Vaughan. Incidentally, he has played just one competitive game since December last year.
In an interview to Daily Mail, Vaughan noted, “A Scottie Scheffler or a footballer going into a major event would be playing. He’s (Stokes) had no game time. Why wouldn’t you want to play for England Lions just for a knock, not to bowl?”
The England Test captain did bowl in the one-off Test against Zimbabwe. Stokes, who has picked 213 Test wickets, was also seen having an extended bowling session on Wednesday. He bowled for close to 45 minutes, very well knowing that he has to assume the role of the fourth pacer. In some good news for the England camp, both Gus Atkinson and Jamie Overton are on road to recovery, and most likely will be available for the second Test in Birmingham.
Stokes was involved in a long meeting on the sidelines of the Headingley ground. Rob Key, the managing director of England Cricket, Brendon McCullum, the head coach, Wayne Bentley, and Luke Wright were seen having a long conversation ahead of the upcoming season.
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