Ben Stokes Likely To Be Rested For Third Test Against West Indies

Ben Stokes, who enthralled one and all with his all-round performance in Southampton, is being considered to be rested for the final Test at Old Trafford. England coach Chris Silverwood is mulling about the decision as a part of the rotation system despite his prolific run in the series.

Silverwood said that England team needs Ben Stokes as much as anyone else. He has been the centre to the last to game but the need of the hour is to make sure if he is fit. Silverwood, however, said that if he is fit enough then he might play.

“We want him out there as much as we can; everyone can see how good he is,” Silverwood said.

“But you know what, we’re going to consider rotating him. He’s been at the centre of the last couple of games and we’ve got to make sure he’s okay. But if he is fit and healthy, he’ll play.”

Stokes was adjudged the man-of-the-match for his brilliant commitment in the second Test which England won. He scored scored 176 and 78 not out in the two innings and also took three wickets as England beat West Indies by 113 runs in the second Test to tie the three-match series 1-1.

Besides the performance with bat and ball, he was also involved in brilliant display of fielding, when he ran all the way to save a boundary off his own bowling after seven overs of spell. Stokes was the stand-in captain for the first Test.