Short spells for Wood

England skipper Stokes says he plans to use fast bowler Wood in bursts at full speed in first Test against India

It’s always a tough challenge when any team embark on a trip to India. The Ben Stokes-Brendon McCullum duo need to be bold and brave to take the challenge head on. The Bazball template will be seriously tested against the Rohit Sharma-led team in Indian conditions in the five-match Test series.

“Well, I just think any team which comes to India, it’s always a tough challenge. We understand that as a team and we respect that as a team as well,’’ said England skipper Stokes in his first media conference on the eve of the first Test that starts on Thursday.

Opportunity to perform

The feisty all-rounder opined that these types of challenges present them with an opportunity to perform. “You know, this team love opportunities. We take every opportunity head on and we run towards it.

Also Read: “I don’t think we are unbeatable": Indian skipper Rohit ahead of tests against England

Ben Stokes

We don’t back away from anything and we’ll always go there and give ourselves the best chance to win games. But yeah, India is an incredibly hard place to come and win a game of cricket. So, we know how it’s got to be, but I am really, really looking forward to the challenge that it presents.”

England had no second thoughts about the pitch here. They believe it will be a turner as they announced their playing XI with a three-pronged spin attack that included Lancashire left-arm spinner Tom Hartley, who will make his debut. Jack Leach (left-arm) and Rehan Ahmed (leg-spinner) are the other two spinners.

“I don’t necessarily think it’s all brave. It’s just me and Baz, looking at the wicket and thinking about what XI we need to pick to give us the best chance. And, you know, that’s the eleven we’ve gone with,’’ pointed out Stokes, adding that he is looking forward to Hartley, who is obviously very excited to at least come in and make his Test debut. “I’m looking forward to seeing him out there,” said Stokes.

The England skipper was frank enough to say they would not go in with too many preconceived ideas. “When you’re in India, you know that the ball is going to turn. We’ll have to adapt to whatever we sort of have presented in front of us, whether it be with bat or ball.’’

Bowling tournament

The England team, according to Stokes, are going to use this series as a bowling tournament. “I think I’m pretty clear in my head, how I can best use this bowling attack that we’ve got. You know, trying to exploit different situations. I’ve definitely been clear in my mind around how I think I’m going to use a bowling tournament.’’

Giving reasons for ignoring crafty swing bowler Jimmy Anderson, Stokes said Mark Wood is a real impact bowler with his high pace. “Bowling at 90 miles an hour with a reversing ball is obviously going to be very difficult to play against. He’s another weapon which you can use out here with short, sharp spells, which is what we said to him, like, you know, wanting to be bowling as fast as you can and for short periods.’’

Stokes added that Anderson has been an incredible professional. “We want him to play his part at some point. You never know how conditions might change and what you might feel is the best setup for your team.’’ When asked why India are unbeatable in home conditions, Stokes signed off saying: “They are better at exploiting the home conditions. I think that’s it. They’ve got a quality spin attack and quality 
batsmen.”

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