India handed England their second-biggest Test defeat in terms of runs in the 3rd India vs England Test of the ongoing five-match Test series in Rajkot on February 18 (Sunday). Rohit Sharma-led India mauled Ben Stokes’ side by 434 runs to take the lead of 2-1 in the series that they were trailing by 1-0 after the first Test match in Hyderabad. Nevertheless, there might be a silver lining for Ben Stoke and England to anticipate in the upcoming IND vs ENG Test in Ranchi.
Ben Stokes has strongly suggested that he may bowl in the fourth Test against India, as the team face pressure following a significant loss in Rajkot. The versatile all-rounder, also known for his seam bowling along with his exceptional batting prowess, shared that his knee condition has improved more rapidly than he anticipated.
Stokes has refrained from bowling in the three matches of the ongoing IND vs ENG Test series and was not expected to do so, having recently undergone surgery for his troublesome knee. However, the 32-year-old might find himself compelled to bowl, considering the relative lack of experience in England's bowling attack.
Ben Stokes: Bowling In The Rajkot Test Would Have Been Stupid
Addressing the media after England's substantial 434-run defeat in the Rajkot Test on Sunday, Stokes expressed his desire to bowl in Rajkot. However, he acknowledged the potential risk involved, stating as quoted by Sky Sports: "I have managed to get my first bowl at 100 per cent in the warm-up. I'm not going to lie, I feel really great. I felt like I could have bowled in this game but that would have been stupid.”
He then mentioned feeling positive about his progress post-surgery and hinted at the possibility of returning to bowling sooner than anticipated.
"As a person I like to jump the gun a little bit but things are feeling really good. I have a whole body to get used to bowling again. It's not a yes - but it's not a no either. I have progressed a lot faster than I thought I would," he added.
The all-rounder boasts respectable bowling figures, having secured 197 wickets in 100 Tests at an average of 32.07. Notably, his last bowling performance in professional cricket dates back to the Lord's Test of the 2023 Ashes series.