Ben Stokes, the captain of the England Test team, said he is excited about the forthcoming series against India but stressed that their immediate priority is the one-time match against Zimbabwe, which starts at Nottingham on May 22. As the India series draws nearer, he said, the team will turn its focus to it.
Following a one-off Test match against Zimbabwe in Nottingham, England will play India in a five-match Test series that begins on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds. Stokes admitted that the English summer would be difficult and long. “The team is fully aware of the gravity of the challenge that lies in facing the two-time World Test Championship finalists,” he continued, adding that the series against India will be important.
Indeed, India is unquestionably a very, very strong team everywhere they play. Although this game will undoubtedly be our first priority, as the India series draws nearer, we will start to pay more attention to it. The summer will be long and difficult. There are usually five Test matches. Additionally, it is constantly against India. Thus, we are aware of our future plans,” Stokes informed the ECB.
India will miss Kohli in England: Ben Stokes
The captain of England admitted that when veteran cricketer Virat Kohli retires, India will miss him. He said he has always enjoyed playing against Kohli and acknowledged that he will personally miss their fierce on-field clashes.
Just before the commencement of what would have been the five-test series against England, he made the clear announcement that he would be leaving test cricket. I believe that India will miss his tenacity, drive to win, and battling spirit during the game. And sure, it will be. I texted him, “I love playing against Virat, so it’s going to be a shame not to play against him,” he continued.
The 33-year-old stated that when it comes to playing the game, he and Kohli have a same mindset. He praised the right-handed hitter for his efforts to Indian cricket and acknowledged him as a class player. The English skipper praised the skill that Virat Kohli has shown over the years and emphasised his outstanding achievements in the United Kingdom.
Both of us like playing against one another because we both believe that it’s a war when we’re on the pitch. In India, he has received a lot of appreciation, and I’m sure he deserves some recognition for his amazing performance. He’s done a great job against England, and the guys here have clearly given him appreciation. “He has been a class player,” the all-rounder said in closing.
India
