Cricket

IND vs ENG 2024: “He’s a very special talent” – Ben Stokes confirms Ben Foakes as wicketkeeper for series opener against India

England skipper Ben Stokes has confirmed that Ben Stokes will keep the wickets in the first Test match against India at Hyderabad. Stokes said Foakes is a very special talent and he can do things that other wicket-keepers can’t do.

Foakes has impressed with his glovework and he is going to hold the key for the visitors while keeping. The right-hander has scored 934 runs in 19 Test matches at an average of 33.36.

Foakes was part of the 2021 tour to India and had impressed with his glovework but he could only manage 78 runs in three Test matches at a paltry average of 15.60.

“He can not only do things other keepers can’t, but also make them look incredibly easy. He’s a very special talent behind there and having someone like that who can maybe take a 2%, 3% chance, that could be massive in the series,” said Stokes while speaking to the reporters ahead of the opening Test.

Meanwhile, Stokes backed Tom Hartley to deliver the goods for the visitors. The left-arm orthodox spinner has scalped 40 wickets in 20 first-class matches.

“Tom is someone who’s very tall. He bowls at a very difficult pace to be able to handle out here. He’s someone who gets a lot of natural variation which, in India, is sometimes the hardest thing to face where you’ve got two of the same ball, ball after ball, and one turns square and then one could skid on and pick up pace,” stated Stokes.

Stokes added he will never put himself ahead of the team in any situation. The talisman has been a huge match-winner for England in the last few years.

“I’d never put myself ahead of the team if I didn’t think I could go out and play at a certain level. I’d never be that selfish to think of myself not performing at a certain level and what that could do to the team. I’ve done everything I needed to do to say I’m ready to go and play a Test match for England. I might have some long days in the field but I’m ready,” said Stokes.

The first Test match between India and England will be played at Hyderabad from January 25 onwards.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

“Never expected a very easy run” – Gautam Gambhir reflects on his tenure as coach after IND vs NZ 2024 Test series defeat

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has admitted that he never expected a very easy run… Read More

October 31, 2024

Probably has a lot to do with playing on flat wickets in T20 – Gautam Gambhir on decline of good defensive technique in Test cricket

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir feels T20 cricket has led to the downfall of a… Read More

October 31, 2024

India needs Mumbai Test win before Australia tour – Gautam Gambhir

Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir feels the Rohit Sharma-led team desperately needs to win the… Read More

October 31, 2024

I cannot say just the batters have let us down – Gautam Gambhir feels everyone should take responsibility for series loss against New Zealand

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir refused to blame the batters after the team’s 2-0 series… Read More

October 31, 2024

It was insane – Bronny James after scoring his first NBA bucket

Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James was on cloud nine after he managed to score… Read More

October 31, 2024

I’m happy with my team’s performance: Mohun Bagan SG head coach Jose Molina after win against Hyderabad FC

Mohun Bagan Super Giant head coach Jose Molina was delighted with the team’s performance after… Read More

October 31, 2024