Stokes set for surprise return to bowling for England in must-win fourth Test

Ben Stokes is set to play the fourth Test against India as an all-rounder following a lengthy workout in the nets two days out from a must-win game.

The England captain has not bowled competitively in a match since the second Ashes Test at Lord’s last summer, with a torn meniscus and bone spurs in his left knee having been operated on last November following the World Cup.

The 32-year-old, three wickets away from 200 in Test cricket, had originally intended to bowl only in training on this tour, making a “pinky promise” to England physio Ben Davies he would not throw himself into the heat of battle.

But with his side 2-1 down to India with two to play, and a potentially turning track in Ranchi likely to require a third frontline spinner in the XI – a recall for Shoaib Bashir, as the only spare slow bowler in the squad – Stokes is poised to break that promise.

He spent the best part of an hour bowling full pelt in the nets on Wednesday – the first time he has had batters at the other end on tour – under the supervision of both Davies and the England team doctor for the second half of the trip, Glen Rae.

Ollie Pope, speaking after the session, said: “We know what Stokes is like, he’s got that competitive edge. There’s every chance he’ll bowl, but he’s not confirmed it yet. We will see how he pulls up. If that’s good, hopefully we will see him with the ball in hand in the game.”

Stokes was seen nodding in the affirmative when speaking to the medical staff after the session although whether anyone has the power to prevent this early comeback is another question.

“When he’s going, it’s pretty tough to get the ball out of his hand to be honest,” said Pope. “If he’s got full confidence in his knee I guess you’ve got to trust the medical advice and his opinion as well. If he needs a bit of guidance on the field I can be someone to lean on.”

India opting to rest Jasprit Bumrah for the fourth Test had already triggered talk of a surface that will spin much sooner than those in Hyderabad, Vishakhpatnam and Rajkot. There is a further day of preparation to follow before the toss but Pope is confident England are ready for any challenge thrown up.

Pope said: “The pitch looks interesting, very ‘platey’. There are quite a few cracks at the minute. The cracks in the wicket aren’t just cracks, there are separate bits of ground that could open up with a lot of sun on them. The ball could deviate more off them if they open up like we expect them to.

“If it does spin from ball one I guess it’s an even playing field. It doesn’t define the result, but it does give you an advantage if you win the toss and bat on the slightly flatter wickets.

“If [this pitch] does a fair bit like we expect it to, having looked at it today, it definitely brings us into the game. We have got some young spinners but they’ve bowled well on some pretty good surfaces, so it definitely brings some wicket-taking opportunities.”

If Bashir does return to the XI, there is a chance it will be alongside Ollie Robinson, affording Jimmy Anderson and Mark Wood a breather. Like Stokes, Robinson has not bowled competitively since the Ashes, when he walked off after 11.2 overs at Headingley with back spasms and did not return for Sussex late summer.

The 30-year-old looks in better physical shape on this tour, having doubled down on his overall fitness, and bowled well on the flat surfaces of Pakistan last winter.