Ben Stokes’ bowling fitness under spotlight as England eye series win at Old Trafford

On the last day of the Manchester Test, England is still holding out hope that its captain and lucky charm, Ben Stokes, can recover from his cramps and lead the charge with the ball. Ben Stokes failed to bowl through England’s 62 overs in the second innings following a dominant century on the fourth morning at Old Trafford, which complemented his five-for in the first innings. The match continued into the fifth day thanks to a strong 174-run partnership between Shubman Gill and KL Rahul of India.

England’s assistant coach Marcus Trescothick responded, “He’s a bit stiff and sore,” when asked if Ben Stokes  would be able to bowl on Sunday. “He was experiencing a lot of cramps when batting in the first innings after having a heavy workload in the previous few weeks. We’re hopeful he’ll be back to work tomorrow after another night’s sleep and some additional physiotherapy.

Without the series’ top wicket-taker, England’s attack faltered in a Test match they had dominated from the start and are still the overwhelming favourites. After experiencing cramping during the third evening’s batting session, Ben Stokes withdrew injured at 66. However, he eventually returned and reached an incredible 141, ending a two-year Test century drought. Along the way, he amassed 7,000 runs and claimed 200 wickets in Test matches, joining an elite trio that included Jacques Kallis and Gary Sobers.

Ben Stokes was seen holding his hamstring when England bowled again in the second innings. .

Even while Trescothick allayed concerns about injuries, the tightness indicates a taxing effort. On the last day at Lord’s, Ben Stokes bowled lengthy periods of nine and ten overs after carefully controlling his bowling during the first two Test matches. His series total of 129 overs includes an additional 24 overs in Manchester’s opening innings.

“It’s just a build-up,” Trescthick clarified. From where he’s gone to what he’s doing, the workload is really tremendous. It is only attempting to keep an eye on it, and you are obviously concerned about the cramp he was experiencing yesterday. Tomorrow, we’ll see how he acts.”

Given Ben Stokes ‘ importance, the former England opener admitted that there would be a significant gap if he were unable to bowl. He did, however, say he was certain the rest of the team will step up. “Of course, it makes a hole when you remove someone from a four-man or five-man attack. And on a pitch that is, you know, really tricky and slows down as the ball ages, you’re trying to strive for victory. Not to mention that he also claimed five wickets in the opening innings.

“It’s difficult, of sure. And when bowlers are out of the game or you don’t have someone to help you with the work you need done, it’s never good. The rest of us are left to pick up the pieces and shoulder the additional burden. If Joe Root isn’t available, you’ll likely see him bowl a bit more. Let’s wait and see, though. With any luck, everything will be well by tomorrow.

Trescothick, who was not privy to all the specifics, speculated that England might have rested Stokes from bowling today in order to save him for the pivotal last push. Nevertheless, Stokes still needed to field in order to avoid having to wait so long to start bowling on Day 5. Given Stokes’ insatiable desire to be engaged in all aspect of the game, the assistant coach acknowledged that managing a player like him requires a careful balance.

He enjoys racing, diving around the field, bowling, batting and doing anything else he can. He’s the type of person who wants to play the game constantly.

Naturally, people get minor aches or injuries as their careers develop, and these may become slightly more common as time goes on. You must therefore handle everyone as they become a little older. You want him to play as many games as possible because of his effect and the fact that he is the team’s captain.

Therefore, it goes without saying that we have succeeded if we can figure out a strategy to restrict the number of overs he bowls in particular. And perhaps we’ve already witnessed it at various points in this series where he hasn’t bowled those enormous periods like he has in the past. I am aware that he did so at Lord’s over the intervening days and on either side of tea, or whatever it is.

However, if you or we are able to find a means, it will undoubtedly be advantageous. Obviously, the more games he can string together as captain, group leader, and all-around player, the better off the team will be.”