Ben Stokes ruled out of 1st Test vs India? Brendon McCullum still unsure of England captain's availability

Ahead of the all-important 5-match Test series against India starting in 2 days, England’s Test coach Brendon McCullum whose philosophy of Bazball will be put to test in Indian conditions for the first time since its inception has claimed that the visitors will have to show braveness to be able to overthrow the hosts’ dominance at home. He also provided a major update on the injury of captain Ben Stokes.

Brendon McCullum has stated that Ben Stokes who underwent a knee surgery right after the Cricket World Cup last year, has put in a lot of hard work during the 11-day camp in Abu Dhabi. The former Kiwi captain feels that Stokes is ready to go all in and that he is satisfied with what he has seen from Stokes during practice sessions.

McCullum also happened to be praising the work ethic of Ben Stokes, calling it “phenomenal” before calling him a greyhound. It will be Stokes’ 3rd tour of India and 1st as captain of the team. In his previous 2 tours in 2016 and 2020/21, England suffered a 4-0 and 3-1 series loss to the hands of India.

Therefore, as the captain of the team, Ben Stokes has an imperative task to carry out and a decision on him playing the 1st Test in Hyderabad will be made as late as possible.

“He looks like a greyhound. He’s put the work in, everyone knows his work ethic is phenomenal. I’ve seen him running around and I think he’s good to go. We’ll obviously make that call as late as what we need to but he’s put all the work in and we’ll just have to wait and see.” – Brendon McCullum said.

The Three Lions were handed with a setback 2 days ago when the ECB withdrew 23-year-old batter Harry Brook from the series due to issues related to his family which were not disclosed by the board or the player himself. And when Brendon McCullum was asked about Brook’s situation, he remained tight-lipped about the actuality of the matter and claimed that there are chances of him returning for the series.

“Obviously our thoughts are with Harry and his family, it’s a tough time. We wish him all the best. There’s a chance he may return later in the tour but for now we just want him to be with his family and do his thing.” – McCullum added. 

“Other Teams Might Be Better But We Want To Be The Bravest”, Brendon McCullum Opines On England’s Chances

When asked about the possibility of England being able to clinch this Test series despite knowing that India hasn’t lost a single red-ball series at home since 2012, Brendon McCullum stated that the visitors will have to be at their bravest of versions and the same should be applied in selection as well.

McCullum also stated that they will be setting up the team combination in the coming days and called India the land of opportunity.

“India is the land of opportunity and that’s what sits in front of us now, we’ll take the positive option. Other teams might be better, but we want to be the bravest. We’ve got to do that and that’s got to be factored into selection too.” – Brendon McCullum concluded.