BEN READY TO RUMBLE

Root gets right answer

BEN STOKES has told Joe Root he won’t regret throwing him straight back into Test action at Trent Bridge today.

The controversial all-rounder won over his team-mates in the wake of his court ordeal this week during a dressing room meeting on Thursday. He is now set to face India in the third

Test, taking Sam Curran’s spot.

England skipper Root said: “I sat him down last night, just me and him, and I asked him brutally and honestly if he was in the right place to play for England. He assured me that he’s ready to perform at his best.

“I have no worries or doubts that he will go and deliver like he has so many times.

“He’s just desperate to get back playing cricket, make that his main focus.

“He felt he was ready to play, he wants to put in performances and concentrate on his cricket.

“I have known Ben from really quite young and I feel very confident that he will be able to go out and put in a strong performance.”

Root was also asked if he thought the Indians would target Stokes in the middle, with the 27-year-old having previous for on-field bust-ups.

“It is very difficult to say,”

Root added. “It has been a long time, a long process and he has been found not guilty.

“I am sure he is very aware there might be a slightly different reaction to him.

“That is all part and parcel of making sure you feel ready to play. He feels he can cope with that.

“It’s probably one of the most difficult selections I’ve had to make as captain.”

Root also had to tell 20-yearold Curran that he would be making way for Stokes.

He said: “Sam wasn’t delighted, but he took it very maturely.

“He’s a big part of this squad now. I don’t see this being the end for him.”

England go into the game looking for a win that would clinch the five-match series and Root added: “As a team, we’ve just got to make sure we have five days of good, solid cricket. We’ve got a huge opportunity in front of us.”