Stokes expresses confidence in resuming all-rounder duties ahead of England's Test summer

IANS May 15, 2025 232 views

Ben Stokes is preparing for a comeback to international cricket after recovering from a hamstring injury. The 33-year-old England captain is feeling confident about resuming his all-rounder duties in the upcoming Test matches. Stokes has been working intensively on his fitness and has discussed his management plan with head coach Brendon McCullum. He is determined to return to the field in top physical condition and contribute significantly to England's Test campaign.

"I've worked incredibly hard on all aspects of everything" - Ben Stokes
New Delhi, May 15: England captain Ben Stokes has expressed confidence in resuming his role as an all-rounder when the side begins its crucial Test summer through a four-day game against Zimbabwe, before the all-important five-match series against India takes centerstage.

Key Points

1

Stokes recovering from hamstring injury sustained in December

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Eager to return to six-batting and seaming role

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Consulting with coach Brendon McCullum on fitness management

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Aims to be in best physical shape of career

Stokes had been out of action since tearing his left hamstring during the final Test in New Zealand in December 2024. After undergoing surgery in January, Stokes is now all set to captain England when they host Zimbabwe in a four-day Test at Trent Bridge, starting on May 22.

"I feel great. Training and playing are completely different. No matter what you do at training, you cannot replicate the intensity your body is put through in a game. As excited as I am to get back on the field, I do know it's going to be different to my training.

"But in terms of my role as a player, that full seamer, batting at six, trying to dominate every situation I find myself, whether I've got a bat or ball in my hand, is what I want to get back doing out on the field, on the biggest stage. I know I've done it before, it's something I've very confident in myself I can do," said Stokes to Sky Sports on Thursday.

A previous injury in the same region, sustained while playing in The Hundred last August, had ruled out Stokes from three home Tests against Sri Lanka and one away game in Pakistan. Stokes also insisted that he was feeling fitter than he has ever been in his playing career.

"I always work hard. My ethos when I'm injured is I come back fitter than I was before I got injured. I've worked incredibly hard on all aspects of everything, from my cricket to fitness, and know I'm going to be in a position when I am back on the field to potentially be in physically the best possible shape I have been in," he added.

Stokes signed off by revealing he's been in talks with head coach Brendon McCullum about managing his fitness and rediscovering his best form in Tests. "I am 33, I don't want to expose myself to a situation where I am off the field when I don't have to be.

"I talk to Baz a lot about many different things, we've spoken about this kind of stuff and how he's going to help me better, how he's going to speak to me a lot more about this stuff. We've worked together for so long, we know each other inside out and those discussions we've had over the last couple of months have been very good."

Reader Comments

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Rahul K.
Stokes is a real fighter! His determination to come back stronger after injuries is inspiring. But I hope he doesn't push too hard before our Test series - we want full-strength England to make it a proper contest! 🇮🇳🏏
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Priya M.
As an Indian cricket fan, I'm excited to see Stokes back in action. The England-India series will be lit 🔥! But honestly, our boys are in great form - Bumrah and Ashwin must be licking their lips at facing a possibly rusty Stokes.
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Arjun S.
Respect for Stokes' work ethic, but at 33 with multiple injuries, maybe he should consider focusing more on batting? England have enough pace options. The way he plays, he's always one awkward landing away from another injury.
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Sanjana T.
His confidence is admirable but let's see how his body holds up in actual match conditions. The Zimbabwe test is perfect for him to test his fitness before facing our Indian team. Can't wait for that series - it's going to be a cracker!
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Vikram J.
Stokes is crucial for England's balance. Without him firing as all-rounder, their team looks much weaker. But honestly, even at his best, our Indian team in current form is too strong in home-like conditions in England. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
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Neha P.
I hope he's fully fit - cricket needs players like Stokes who give their 100% always. But as an Indian, I won't mind if he's a bit off-color against us 😉 That McCullum-Stokes combo is dangerous when they get going.

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Tags:
Ben Stokes England Cricket Test Cricket Cricket Injury Recovery Zimbabwe Test India Test Series