Former India captain Ravi Shastri believes England skipper Ben Stokes is strategically preserving his energy, likely saving a decisive bowling burst for the critical fifth day of the Test match.
Stokes’s Strategic Silence
England’s captain, Ben Stokes, delivered a match-defining 141 runs in the fourth Test against India despite grappling with hamstring issues. Remarkably, he opted not to bowl at all in India’s second innings, a move that raised questions among cricket pundits.
Stokes had earlier impressed with a five-wicket haul in India’s first innings. His absence from the bowling attack in the second innings, according to Ravi Shastri, indicates a calculated decision to save his energy for when it matters most.
The Crucial Day 5 Forecast
Shastri shared his insights with Sky Sports, suggesting Stokes is “preserving himself for tomorrow.” He predicts a focused burst of five or six overs from the all-rounder when he feels the moment is right to make an impact.
The former India captain also highlighted the conditions at play. He noted that the early hours of Day 5, especially with a new ball and overcast skies, offer the best chance for bowlers to get movement. Once the sun comes out and the ball loses its newness, the pitch tends to become more batsman-friendly. England’s best chance, he believes, lies in striking early.
India’s Fightback and Stokes’s Milestones
While the focus is on Stokes, India is battling hard to save the Test. After a shaky start in their second innings, trailing by over 300 runs and losing two early wickets for no score, Shubman Gill and KL Rahul forged an unbeaten 174-run partnership for the third wicket, reigniting India’s hopes.
Meanwhile, Stokes himself achieved a rare feat, becoming only the fourth English cricketer to score a century and take a five-wicket haul in the same Test match. He joins the esteemed company of Tony Greig, Ian Botham, and Gus Atkinson in this exclusive club.
The Unavoidable Workload
Former England captain Nasser Hussain also weighed in on Stokes’s decision not to bowl. Hussain observed that Stokes’s lack of bowling suggests more than just a minor cramp, pointing to his history with hamstring problems. He even questioned whether Stokes should be on the field at all, given his critical importance to the team.
Hussain emphasized the unique pressure on Stokes as captain. Unlike other key players who might be rotated, Stokes is expected to play every Test, bat, and bowl, leading to an immense and potentially exhausting workload. His dedication, while admirable, comes at a cost to his physical reserves.
- Ben Stokes is likely preserving his energy for a key bowling spell on Day 5.
- Early morning conditions with the new ball are crucial for England’s chances.
- Stokes achieved a rare feat: a century and a five-wicket haul in the same Test.
- His persistent hamstring issues and heavy workload as captain are a growing concern.
As Day 5 approaches, all eyes will be on Ben Stokes and whether his strategic rest translates into a match-winning performance.
