England captain Ben Stokes has ruled out the possibility of him playing as an all-rounder in the IND vs ENG 2nd Test in Visakhapatnam beginning on February 2 (Friday). Speaking to media ahead of the second Test match where they enter having taken a 1-0 lead in the five-match series, Stokes said that while he won't be bowling in the match, he is hopeful of bowling full-tilt soon.
"You will see me bowl tomorrow (February 1). I did say that this trip is a back to bowling programme for me. You have seen me do a lot of running and that has been part of it. Tomorrow is just the start of low-impact bowling, get the rest of my body going again and just gradually keep building that up. I won’t be bowling in the game. It is a lot easier [not bowling]. But I am looking forward to getting back into it," the 32-year-old told The Telegraph.
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Ravindra Jadeja Run-Out Wouldn't Have Been Possible Before Knee Surgery: Ben Stokes
Meanwhile, Stokes reckoned that had he not undergone a knee surgery, he would not have been able to run-out Ravindra Jadeja in the second innings of the series opener in what turned out to be a massive turning point in the match. Stokes said that he was not undergoing rehabilitation only for the sake of it but wants to be on the top of his game.
"I honestly don’t think so. I think I would have been thinking about my movements, whereas then I didn’t have to. I’m not rehabbing for the sake of it. I’m just trying to keep on top of it and everything is ok," Stokes said.
Meanwhile, England confirmed their Playing 11 for the second Test match on the eve of the fixture. While James Anderson returns for the second Test, Shoaib Bashir is poised to make his Test debut. Mark Wood and injured Jack Leach made way for the incoming duo.