Taking Baby Steps: Ben Stokes' No Run-up Bowling on Empty Pitch in Visakhapatnam - WATCH

England captain Ben Stokes hasn’t bowled in international cricket since Ashes 2023 when his team locked horns in the second Test at Lord’s. A troublesome knee, which he got operated on last year, has kept him away from showcasing his talent with the ball and ahead of the next fixture against India, he has ruled himself out of rolling his arms over. However, he also added that he is slowly getting back to the rhythm.

“You will see me bowl tomorrow. I did say that this trip is a back-to-bowling programme for me. You have seen me do a lot of running and that has been part of it. Tomorrow is just the start of low-impact bowling, get the rest of my body going again and just gradually keep building that up. I won’t be bowling in the game. It is a lot easier [not bowling]. But I am looking forward to getting back into it,” Stokes told the press ahead of the second Test.

As stated, Stokes was spotted bowling at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam without a full run-up. He bowled on a length on an empty strip, with no batter. The video, shared by Geroge Dobell, has gone viral on social media, giving some positive vibes to his fans.

Meanwhile, the visitors have announced their playing XI for the second Test, starting Friday. England made two changes from the side that won the opening Test in Hyderabad with Bashir replacing Jack Leach, who has been ruled out with a knee injury.

Leach jarred his left knee while fielding during England’s thrilling 28-run win over the hosts last week. He aggravated the injury later on in the same match, bowling 10 overs during the hosts’ second innings with a swollen joint.

On the other hand, veteran pacer James Anderson coming in for Mark Wood.

England Playing XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (C), Ben Foakes, Rehan Ahmed, Tom Hartley, Shoaib Bashir, James Anderson.