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ENG vs IND: Bumrah a threat, but India is more than one player
On the eve of the highly anticipated five-match Test series for the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy, England captain Ben Stokes made it clear that his team is not underestimating India, despite the notable absence of senior stars Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin. The opening Test begins Friday at Headingley, marking a new chapter for an Indian side now led by Shubman Gill. Ben Stokes dismissing big absences in Indian team
'There's been a lot of chatter about the absence of Rohit, Virat, and Ashwin. But we don't think it's going to make things easier for us. India's talent pool is absolutely enormous,' Stokes said during a pre-match press conference.
He emphasized that while the trio has contributed immensely to Indian cricket, their replacements are more than capable. 'Just because some big names are missing doesn't mean the players stepping in are going to be easier to bowl to or bat against,' he said. 'We've all seen India's talent during the IPL, it's everywhere.' Ben Stokes on Jasprit Bumrah
On Jasprit Bumrah, Stokes acknowledged the pacer's threat but noted the English strategy won't revolve around just one player. 'Bumrah is world-class, no doubt. But cricket is a team game. We respect all their bowlers, not just him,' he said.
Stokes also confirmed Ollie Pope will retain the No. 3 spot in the batting order. 'He scored 171 in his last Test. That says enough. He's averaged over 40 during my captaincy, and that consistency earns him the spot,' he said, dismissing any debate between Pope and Jacob Bethell.
Stokes further praised the returning Chris Woakes, calling him the 'leader' of the bowling attack. 'Since Baz [Brendon McCullum] and I took over, we've never lost a Test with Woakes in the side. He's relentless with the ball, whether it's new or old, and his batting adds depth. He thrives with responsibility.'
As both teams prepare for a new era in their Test rivalry, Stokes' remarks reflect a healthy respect for India's depth while underlining England's confidence in their own evolving squad.
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When India led England 2-1 in 2021, before the series came to a halt, the visitors succeeded due to the impressive batting of openers Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul, who faced upwards of 1500 balls. While Rahul hit a fine century in India's roaring win at Lord's, Rohit had also hit a match-winning 127 in a heavy victory at The Oval. Rahul's strength lies in his ability to assess the line and length of deliveries and then be adept at leaving a lot of balls, particularly at the beginning of his time at the crease. His combination of patience, solid technique, and temperament has resulted in recent good outcomes in Tests. With Rohit not there, Rahul will not only have to replicate what his keys to success were in 2021, but also mentor his young opening partner Yashasvi Jaiswal as the latter navigates the challenges of opening in Tests in England, after playing in the West Indies, South Africa and Australia. 'The initial 30-45 minutes, I think, is the most crucial part. You have to play a little late. You don't need to poke at the ball, and there is no need to reach for the ball. In England, there is a little sideways movement. So, the later you play, and the closer to the body, that is better. I think, knowing your off-stump is also going to be very important, because, generally, the bowling line of English bowlers is generally around off-stump or fourth stump.' 'So, again, that will be very important - knowing where your off-stump is, which ball to play and which to leave. Plus, your footwork needs to be precise. You don't want to be caught in the crease very often. So, either you go forward or you go back. Scoring opportunities, when you get them, you need to pounce on that.' 'These are the things that I am sure the players who have spent so much time in England, who have played practice games, and practiced so far, I am sure they will adjust to that. 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Test cricket is one place where he needs to improve his numbers. He knows that, especially away from home and this is a big tour. I feel knowing his character and temperament, he'll be looking very desperately to score runs and win this series. So, I feel, he'll be one of those players where captainship will make him a better batsman.' Coming to England, Jaffer pointed out that Joe Root is undoubtedly the main guy that India should be looking to dislodge, even as others, including skipper Ben Stokes, are in indifferent batting form. 'You don't get that assurance from everyone. Even Harry Brook hasn't scored that much amount of runs, even though he's an exciting player.' 'So, if India bowls well with Jasprit, Siraj, Prasidh, and Shardul, then I think India has the potential to put pressure on that England batting line-up. This is a very inexperienced England side with Stuart Broad and James Anderson not there, so India can put pressure on their bowling attack too.' 'I feel it's going to be a very balanced series. You can't say that England has the upper hand and India will be underdogs. I feel India will be looking to impose themselves because it's a new team. There's not much baggage, and a new leader is there. So, I feel it's going to be an exciting series,' he concluded.
