For India
‘He is desperate to play’
no worries he will deliver just like he has so many times.
“He’s just desperate to get back playing cricket, make that his main focus now. He felt he was ready to play. We obviously assessed his fitness as well, over the course of the two days, and made that call.”
Before the incident in Bristol, Root had put his faith in Stokes by naming him as vice-captain, a position he has now lost. So can he be certain Stokes is ready now? “Only he knows that,” said Root. “I’ve known Ben from really quite young and I feel very confident he will be able to go out and put in a strong performance. He looks fresh and looks like he’s raring to go.”
Even though Stokes was ultimately cleared, England coach Trevor Bayliss this week urged him to issue a public apology for his involvement in an incident that has cast a shadow over the team for 11 months.
That is unlikely to happen until the end of the ECB probe and, asked if he felt the same as Bayliss, Root said: “That’s up to Ben and I’m sure when it’s the right time he’ll say what he feels he needs to say.”
Stokes replaces Sam Curran as the series recommences in Nottingham. DURHAM have signed ball-tampering Australian batsman Cameron Bancroft.
Bancroft, 25, who will join Durham as their overseas player for 2019, received a nine-month ban from Cricket Australia in March for his role in a balltampering scandal.
He was found guilty of attempting to manipulate the condition of the ball on day three of the third Test against South Africa. It was an act which also saw Australia captain Steve Smith and his deputy David Warner receive 12-month suspensions for their involvement.
Bancroft, who has played in eight Tests,