Ben Stokes explains why Rajkot was recalled for Mark Wood.

Ben Stokes, who is slated to play in his 100th Test match for England, provides an explanation for the decision to replace Shoaib Bashir.

England have chosen to insert Mark Wood in place of Shoaib Bashir in the playing XI in a calculated move ahead of the third Test match against India in Rajkot. With India leveling the series in their most recent meeting in Visakhapatnam, England is looking to take back the lead in the five-match Test series.

The 20-year-old Shoaib Bashir finally made his debut in the second Test, which ended in defeat for England, after experiencing delays in his visa application. Mark Wood, who did not take any wickets in Hyderabad, has been brought back in an attempt to bolster their pace attack. Ben Stokes talked candidly about how crucial it is to adjust to the circumstances, particularly given Rajkot’s batting-friendly surface.

“Using what we know from our previous Test match—which was played here a long time ago—the wicket was quite true to its description, being flat. According to Metro.co.uk, the England captain further explained that adding a seamer like Wood would give the side the best opportunity of winning on what appears to be a favourable track for batting.

“As of right now, it appears a little platey, but overall, I believe this is a nice wicket. We believe we have the best chance of winning this week, so we have opted to bring in an extra seamer,” the player continued.

Following a strong showing in the previous game, James Anderson was able to hold onto his spot. The bowling assault by England will try to make life difficult for the Indian batting order on the Rajkot surface.

Stokes also assured his physiotherapist that he wouldn’t pick up the ball while he was still healing from knee surgery.

“Now it’s tiny and frequent. There is no strategy in place for where my intensity will go. I’m not getting too ahead of myself, but it’s just how I feel at the moment. It was an additional advancement. However, I made a pinky promise to my physiotherapist that even if everything feels fine, I won’t be loosening up to bowl. That would just be an unnecessary risk,” he said.

England playing XI for the 3rd Test against India:

Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (C), Ben Foakes (Wk), Rehan Ahmed, Tom Hartley, Mark Wood, and James Anderson.