Ben Stokes has a bulletproof approach to cricket: David Gower

With the rescheduled fifth and final Test between India and England starting today, cricketing fans across the globe will be raring to witness this intriguing clash. Veteran English cricketer David Gower shares the same enthusiasm and excitement for the upcoming match. 

During an interview with the Times of India (TOI), when asked whether the Indian team would play with both R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja for the one-off Test, Gower stated, "I have a feeling that they will play only Jadeja." 

David Gower has heaped enormous praise on the newly appointed England Test-team coach and captain, Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes, respectively. He believes the duo could be the foundation stone for the team's resurgence. 

"The combination of McCullum and Stokes has clearly changed something. When McCullum's appointment was announced, people wondered what his qualifications were. They are now apparent. He has a gift of getting into people's heads and making them feel better," Gower said about McCullum's man-management skills. 

He also mentioned Ben Stokes' captaincy approach and how different it is from the former captain, Joe Root. 

"Without taking Joe Root to court, he is a different type of captain to Stokes. Stokes has a bulletproof approach to cricket. He will make mistakes. But so far, most of his moves have seemed to be the right ones. With regards to selection, when we have a world that is heading back to normal, and all your resources are available, then my view is as straightforward as McCullum's. Pick your best side for each game. This idea of playing a couple of games and being rested even when there is nothing wrong doesn't make sense," he said, referring to the flawed strategy employed by the earlier regime of Root and Chris Silverwood.

While experts believe illness and injury to key players and the lack of match fitness may prevent India from performing at a high level, Gower warned that the reserve players have a lot of skill. 

"If you are England, you will hope to take advantage. But if you look at this Indian squad, there is a lot of talent among the reserves. Look at the way they played in Australia. One should be wary of reserves because they have the talent and the spirit to make the most of it," he said. 

When asked about his remarks on the fifth and final Test getting rescheduled from last year due to a COVID-19 outbreak in the team's camp, he said it might drastically affect the players' mindset. 

"It's never perfect. Had they managed to play this game ten months ago, you had a perfect situation where if India either drew or won at Manchester, they could win the series, and if England won, they could have squared it," stated Gower.