Will Ben Stokes Bowl In Rajkot Test? Here's All You Need To Know

image-lsk3rpd5Ben Stokes [X.com]

Ben Stokes seems to be gradually regaining full fitness in the aftermath of his left knee surgery late last year as the England skipper was seen rolling his arms over off a short run-up at a practice session in Rajkot on Tuesday (February 13). 

Senior Cricbuzz journalist Vijay Tagore shared a glimpse of successful captain Stokes bowling without operating at full tilt ahead of the third Test against India at the recently renamed Niranjan Shah Cricket Stadium in Saurashtra. Right throughout the Test series, Stokes has been rolling his arms from time to time at nets and raising speculations whether he will bowl in the Test match. 

It appears unlikely at this stage that England's danger-man with the bat will be resuming his all-round duties on the Indian tour. However, signs are healthy on the cricketer's bowling fitness as his ability to swing the ball and create breakthroughs completely changes the balance of an England playing XI. 


Ben Stokes Seen Bowling Ahead Of Rajkot Test 


Without Stokes bowling, England have required an extensive number of overs from batting great Joe Root in their top 7 to ease the life of their battery of inexperienced tweakers Rehan Ahmed, Tom Hartley and Shoaib Bashir. His absence on the bowling front also meant England missed a second pacer and an alt wicket-taking option in Hyderabad and Vizag. 

Meanwhile, England's latest training session on Tuesday has hinted that the tourists are inclined towards playing Ollie Robinson over Anderson.

The skipper has tried to make-up for it with his batting and produced a priceless first-innings effort worth 70 in England's win in the first Test. Stokes' ability to transform the game with the bat in a quick span poses a serious threat and headache to the Indian bowlers, even though ace speedster Jaspri Bumrah has had some wood on him. 

Stokes will be determined to pack a strong punch as England strive to continue looking India eye-to-eye for the series in challenging foreign conditions.