The Test battle between India and England is moving ahead with the fourth red-ball fixture of the five-match series set to begin from February 23. The series began with a bang as the English team secured a victory in the opening Test, making their intentions clear from the outset. However, the hosts, India, bounced back strongly, clinching back-to-back victories in the subsequent matches to not only level the scores but also take a commanding 2-1 lead over the visitors.
Ben Stokes’ surprising assessment
Ahead of the upcoming Test in Ranchi, England captain Ben Stokes shared his thoughts on the pitch that will be used for the match at JSCA International Stadium Complex. Stokes expressed his surprise at the condition of the Ranchi pitch, stating that he had never seen anything quite like it before. With the series hanging in the balance, England find themselves in a do-or-die situation, needing a win to keep their hopes alive.
Deceptive appearance
Stokes remarked on the deceptive appearance of the Ranchi pitch, initially appearing to have abundant grass cover. However, upon closer inspection, he noted the presence of several cracks, indicating potential challenges for both batters and bowlers alike.
“I’ve never seen something like that before. I have got no idea so I don’t know what could happen. If you looked down one side of opposite ends it just looked different to what I am used to seeing, especially out in India. It looked green and grassy up in the changing rooms, but then you go out there it looked different: very dark and crumbly and quite a few cracks in it,” Stokes told BBC Sport.
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Team selection dilemma and possibility of Stokes rolling his arms in Ranchi Test
England are likely to announce their team on Friday, with a plethora of options at their disposal. Stokes himself may influence the selection process, having bowled in the nets during training on Wednesday for the first time since undergoing knee surgery in November. Initially ruling himself out of bowling on this tour, Stokes stated that he had made a promise to England physio Ben Davies.
However, following England’s defeat in the third Test, the Durham man has opened the door to the possibility of taking the ball in the final two Tests. Stokes mentioned that his left knee felt pain-free during the bowling spell, a sensation he had not experienced in the past, raising hopes of his participation in the bowling department during the Test.
“I will just have to wait and see how everything is. It is the longest I have bowled in six months so let’s see how everything pulls up,” added Stokes.
Series implications
With the series delicately poised at 2-1 in favor of India, the upcoming Test in Ranchi holds significant importance for England. A loss would hand the series to India, whereas a victory would level the scores, setting up a thrilling finale in the fifth Test.
