[Watch] Ben Stokes' 'Intense' Practice Ahead Of First Test Against India At Hyderabad

Ben Stokes will captain England (X.com)

Ben Stokes, the English skipper is leaving no stones unturned to get fully ready for the first Test between India and England scheduled to start on 25th of January at Hyderabad. There are some doubts over his fitness but he seems to be moving well in the practice session, and we can expect Stokes to lead England when they walk out to the middle on Thursday.

It is a five-match Test series and there is a temptation that Stokes should play the first Test only if he is fully fit. However, England would know that a good start to the series is critical in Indian conditions and once you get behind the 8-ball, it is hard to make a comeback.

---

ALSO READ

Virat Kohli Withdraws From First Two England Tests Due To Personal Reasons

---

In a video that is going rounds on social media, Stokes is seen running at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad and appeared in no pain. England will be already without Harry Brook and that in itself is a big blow so they surely cannot afford to go into the first Test match without Stokes.

Ben Stokes has recently undertaken a knee surgery that was troubling him for a long time. So, we can expect him to perform that all-rounder role consistently in this series, which will be critical if England want to repeat the heroics of 2012. 

---

ALSO READ

Brook Ruled Out, Stokes At 6; Here's England's Strongest Playing XI For 1st Test vs India

---