ENG vs IRE: "My Knee Is In A Much Better Place Than It Was In Wellington"- Ben Stokes Optimistic Of Bowling In The Ashes

The much-awaited Test season of England is set to commence on 1st June. England are all set to lock horns against Ireland in a one-off Test match at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground from 1st June 2023. Ben Stokes along with head coach Brendon McCullum have revolutionized red ball cricket. Ben Stokes though will have to manage his knee injury as his decision to play IPL 2023 didn’t work well.

All eyes would be on Harry Brook, the right-handed batter as he had a forgettable IPL 2023 and was seen struggling against both pacers & spinners. England would be aiming to kick-start their home season in a grand fashion.

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Ireland will require a helluva of effort to outclass England. The visitors though showed some encouraging signs against the recently concluded Sri Lanka Test series. Ireland undoubtedly lost the series by 2-0 but the batters got some invaluable runs under their belt.

Also Read: Ashes 2023: “You Have A Couple Of Bad Tournaments And Then…” – Marnus Labuschagne Makes A Massive Statement On IPL

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England would fancy themselves to defeat Ireland as this match would serve as a stepping stone ahead of the high-voltage Ashes 2023. England have named Ollie Pope as the vice-captain and the batter will have to bat a bit more responsibly.

Also Read: ENG vs IRE: “We Know It’s Going To Be Really Difficult”- Andrew Balbirnie On Facing England’s ‘Bazball’ Approach

My knee is in a much better place- Ben Stokes

Stokes was attending a press conference ahead of the clash against Ireland and he said that his knee is in a much better place. Stokes said he is feeling rejuvenated and added that he feels like he is in the 2019-20 & 2021 calendar year i.e. in terms of fitness and knee.

“My knee is in a much better place than it was in Wellington. I have got myself into a position where I am not able to look back and regret or say I have not given myself the best opportunity to play a full role with the ball this summer,” said Ben Stokes.

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“I have worked incredibly hard with the medical team in Chennai, who were liaising with the ECB guys. I have got myself into a place where I feel like I am back at 2019, 2020 with my body,” he added.

“The mind and the body are different but I have given myself the best chance. We know what the problem is and it’s about managing it with workload and the medical team, just to get through it.

“The great thing about sport and being out in the arena is that it gives you adrenaline, helps you do something in a game you are probably not able to do in training.

“Hopefully I can turn up every day and bowl like I have been able to do before this little niggle showed up.”

Also Read: ENG vs IRE: England Announce Playing XI For One-Off Test Aganst Ireland, James Anderson Rested

Josh Tongue possesses a bit more pace- Ben Stokes

Stokes was quite excited about the dynamic pacer Josh Tongue. Ben Stokes pointed out that Josh Tongue has got a bit more pace and said that he has the ‘X’ factor. Ben Stokes stated that the pacer can play quite a few games this season.

“Tonguey is someone who has been spoken about ever since he came on the scene for Worcestershire. He possesses a bit more pace than most of the guys who are next in line and has started off well this season,” said Ben Stokes.

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“Having someone who is able to bowl at that extra pace and can come on and change where the game is going, have that x-factor, is great to have in your side. I am looking forward to getting him involved and giving him his cap,” he stated.

“It was a good opportunity for Josh to not only show what he can do but also see what his character is like and how he can influence the game in a role I see him playing if he did play a few more games this summer,” he added.

England XI to face Ireland at Lord’s: Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jonny Bairstow (wicketkeeper), Stuart Broad, Matthew Potts, Josh Tongue, Jack Leach.

Also Read: ENG vs IRE: “It Is A Great Honour, I Was Excited To Know About It” – Ollie Pope Speaks On Being Named England’s Test Vice-Captain