Can England’s Ben Stokes Make a Comeback on Day Five?
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Synopsis
As the fourth Test against India reaches a critical juncture, England captain Ben Stokes's return to bowling during practice could be a game-changer. Despite his recent struggles with cramps, his involvement in warm-up sessions provides hope for a strong finish. Tune in to see if he can lead England to victory!
Key Takeaways
- Ben Stokes spotted bowling in practice ahead of day five.
- England leads the series 2-1.
- Stokes's fitness is crucial for England's chances of victory.
- India resumes their innings at 174/2.
- KL Rahul and Shubman Gill are performing strongly for India.
Manchester, July 27 (NationPress) In a positive development for England as they prepare for day five of the fourth Test against India, captain Ben Stokes was observed bowling during the team's warm-up activities.
Televised footage revealed Stokes running and bowling on the practice wickets while his teammates engaged in their drills at Old Trafford. After experiencing leg cramps during his remarkable innings of 141, Stokes did not bowl in any of the 63 overs played by England on day four, even requiring some time off the field on day three.
The fact that Stokes is practicing his bowling suggests he may be called into action on day five, as India resumes their second innings at 174/2, trailing England by 137 runs.
Stokes, who leads the series in wickets, had an impressive 5-72 when India scored 358 in their first innings.
"It could be a bit of a test. Stokes certainly wasn’t moving as well as he did yesterday. It appeared he had more than just cramps, but he completed some sprints this morning and bowled a few overs, albeit with a lighter run-up.
"He might be hoping to avoid bowling today to give his body more time to recover, but needs must, as England is keen to secure a win in this Test match. For all of us, just seeing him move slightly better this morning, regardless of whether he bowls or not, is promising," stated former England fast bowler Stuart Broad during a Sky Sports broadcast.
With a 2-1 lead in the five-match series, England remains the favorite to secure an unassailable lead on the final day at Old Trafford. Without Stokes bowling on day four, England appeared somewhat hesitant with the ball, as KL Rahul and Shubman Gill both delivered impressive unbeaten innings of 87 and 78, respectively.
Point of View
It's clear that Ben Stokes's potential return to bowling is a pivotal moment for England. His leadership and skill could be crucial in securing a victory against India. The team's performance hinges on his fitness, and fans will be eagerly watching to see how he contributes to this critical Test match.
NationPress
27/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Ben Stokes during the Test?
Ben Stokes experienced cramps in his left leg during his innings of 141 but was seen practicing bowling ahead of day five.
What is the current status of the match?
As of day five, India is at 174/2, chasing a target, while England leads the series 2-1.
How did Stokes perform in the series?
Stokes is the leading wicket-taker in the series, with an impressive 5-72 in India's first innings.
