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Ben Stokes Opts Out Of England Lions Vs India A Series, Says "Rest Is Very..."

Akshita Patel

Ben Stokes on availability for England Lions [Source: @FoxCricket/X.com]Ben Stokes on availability for England Lions [Source: @FoxCricket/X.com]

England Test captain Ben Stokes has said he is unlikely to play for the Lions ahead of the big Test series against India. After a solid return to bowling in the match against Zimbabwe, Stokes feels confident and believes rest is more important for him now.

Stokes had been out of action for 5 months due to a hamstring injury he suffered in December while playing in New Zealand. In the recent Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge, he bowled 20 deliveries on day two, took two wickets, and looked in great rhythm.

But with a long series vs India on the cards, the English skipper is prioritising rest over practice.

Ben Stokes Confident With His Preparation Before India Series

Before the India-England clash in a five-game Test series, India A and England Lions will feature in a 2-game unofficial Test series. Skipper Ben Stokes, meanwhile, has opted out of the unofficial series, citing need for rest.

 "It was an open book in terms of whether I felt I needed to play in terms of getting back into it. But how [Saturday] went with the ball, I couldn't have asked for any more. I felt really, really good, the best I have felt in a long time. I leave in a really positive place in terms of that [all-rounder] role I want to fulfil for the team. Rest is very important for me now," Stokes told Sky Sports.

The 33-year-old bowled a few overs against Zimbabwe and said he doesn’t feel the need for more match practice before the India series, which begins on June 20 at Headingley. 

England comfortably beat Zimbabwe in the first Test match thanks to superb bowling performances from Shoaib Bashir (9 wickets) while Ollie Pope, Zak Crawley, and Ben Duckett all scored centuries.

Stokes Wants To Play As An All-Rounder Vs India

England captain Ben Stokes has indicated he is ready to take up his full all-rounder role in the forthcoming Tests against Zimbabwe and India. After recovering from a hamstring injury, the 33-year-old said he’s confident of returning stronger, having worked hard on both fitness and skills. Stokes aims to dominate matches with both bat and ball and believes he's in his best physical shape yet as England gears up for the new WTC cycle.