The upcoming Ashes summer is going to be one intense series between England and Australia. And with the clock ticking as the series is inching closer, the England captain has amped up his thinking tank and preparations for the Test series. In an interesting move, Ben Stokes has been in touch with the ground staff in all the venues giving instructions on the kind of pitches the hosts wish to play on against the Aussies.
“We want fast, flat wickets. We want to go out there and score quickly. It brings their [Australia’s] guys in: if they’ve got fast wickets to bowl on then they’ll be happy with that as well. ” Stokes was quoted as saying by SkySports.
“I think I know what the starting XI is going to be, there or thereabouts. I think having the option to have someone who can bowl above 90mph is what any captain wants. When it comes to that first Test match, I’ll be making sure that I pick the best team for that first game,” the Christchurch-born continued.
England skipper Ben Stokes opens up on his injury and his role as fourth seamer along with his bowling lineup
“The main priority for me is making sure that I can fulfil my role as fourth seamer in the Ashes. I’ve had some good conversations with the people who are employed to look after us, body-wise. I said I’ll be doing everything I can whilst I’m in India to make sure that when we get to the Ashes, I’ll give myself the best opportunity to do my role. I’ll do whatever I can to get myself through but, medical team, if there’s anything you guys can do to help to get me through that, then please do,” Stokes stated on his injury situation.
“With our bowling group, I’ve asked the medical team to give us the best opportunity to have eight bowlers to select from for every game. I think this year’s Ashes in particular, the games are quite close together. Being able to have those resources available every game is something I’m really keen to have,” Stokes further added.
“I could pick a 20-man squad (right now) because that’s how fortunate we are at the moment to be able to pick from this group of English players who are so good at the moment,” Ben Stokes concluded.
