Stokes back for England
UNFORTUNATE: FIRST TEST MAN-OF-THE-MATCH LEFT OUT
Ben Stokes will start the third Test for England against India at Trent Bridge today just four days after being cleared of affray. England captain Joe Root confirmed yesterday that the all-rounder would be back in the starting eleven at the expense of the unfortunate Sam Curran, who was Man-of-the-Match in the first Test at Edgbaston.
“It was one of the most difficult decisions I’ve had to make as captain. It’s about us as a squad delivering over five games and on this occasion Sam is unfortunate to miss out,” said Root.
“Ben is desperate to get back playing cricket. He’s desperate to get out there, put in performances and concentrate on his cricket now. He feels ready to play.”
Stokes’ return for the third Test, with England leading 2-0, was always going to be a difficult call for Root with two other all-rounders playing so well.
After the second Test win, Root had described the selection dilemma as a “great headache” but Stokes has been welcomed back into the team’s ranks after his acquittal in the high-profile case.
Stokes had played a big part in providing a winning start with his six wickets, including the prize one of Virat Kohli, in the tight opening test at Edgbaston.
Yet in his absence due to the court hearing, England were much more dominant in their second test innings victory at Lord’s with Chris Woakes, the replacement for Stokes, winning the man-of-the-match award for his century and four wickets.
Curran had won the same award at Edgbaston for his crucial half-century and five wickets, making it difficult for either him or Woakes to be dropped, but it was the 20-year-old Surrey prospect who misses out.
India’s head coach Ravi Shastri faces the problem of how to raise his team’s spirits. They are staring at the indignity of losing the five-match series after just three Tests.
It is the first time a Test has started on a Saturday in England since they played South Africa at The Oval in 1955. – Reuters