‘Very unlikely’ I won’t play series decider – Stokes

England’s captain Ben Stokes says it’s “very unlikely” that he won’t miss the crucial final Test against India at The Oval.

Stokes, an all-rounder, struggled throughout the final three days of Old Trafford’s drawn fourth Test, repeatedly feeling for the top of his right bicep and legs.

The 34-year-old has had operations on his left knee and hamstring for the past two years and has had a history of chequered injuries.

Additionally, he is in excellent form. In India’s opening Test match against England, he scored 141 with the bat after starting with 5-72 with the ball and then followed up with 141 with the bat, making him the only other England player to reach the milestone with a century and five wickets.

The fifth Test, which starts on Thursday, will have a quick turn around.

Although it’s unlikely that I won’t play, I don’t want to eat my words, Stokes said. I’m decent, mentally. I’ve been better physically, “.

Stokes said the issue with his right bicep has been “stirring away” for some time despite his previous struggles with left-leg injuries.

The Durham man claimed that “it’s been a pretty big workload for this series thus far.” “This was another extremely successful week of the third Lord’s Test,” he continued. It’s just one of those things because pain is just an emotion.

Stokes’ role as a player and leader for the England team is crucial. His first Test century for more than two years at Old Trafford was his first since 1998, and he consistently ranks as England’s best bowler with the ball.

With 17 wickets, he is the best wicket-taker in the England-India series, which is also his most successful in the ball in a 12-year Test career. Stokes has bowled 140 overs in the series, which is also his most of his career.

When he didn’t bowl any of England’s 63 overs on the fourth day, there were concerns about his fitness at Old Trafford. At the start of the fifth day, he did bowl, and India batted for an undeniable draw the entire way down.

Before lunch on Saturday, India trailed by 311 runs to go to 0-2. When a draw was reached, the tourists were saved on 425-4 thanks to the efforts of captain Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar.

Given the short amount of time between Tests, England was on the field for 143 overs on Saturday and Sunday. England has fielded 222 overs more than India in the series.

After more than four years of undergoing medical issues, Seahawks Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse have each played four Test matches for England.

At The Oval, all three would be considered for rotation. Jamie Overton could replace Josh Tongue and Gus Atkinson as cover for the fourth Test against England.

Everyone is going to be pretty sore and exhausted, Stokes said, “You look at how long we have been out in the field and how many overs we have bowled.” Everyone will be evaluated, and we can hopefully make the most of these rest days.

“We might need to make a few adjustments to get some fresh legs in,” the team said.

The fourth Test was largely dominated by England, but they ultimately struggled to end the series with a win. Since 2018, England hasn’t defeated India or lost a five-series game.

The home side must now avoid falling to the Oval to prepare for what they hope will be a successful year, with the Ashes set to arrive in Australia this winter.

“Yes, we’re 2-1 up, but we want to go out and record that most important performance.” We are aware that the series’ conclusion will require a lot of effort, Stokes said.

“We really set up this game. We had the best of intentions when we played the game. India’s ability to play the way they did is greatly appreciated. This week simply wasn’t meant to be this week.

Rishabh Pant, an Indian wicketkeeper, broke his foot during the fourth Test, with head coach Gautam Gambhir saying he was “all for” the introduction of injury replacements in test cricket. Concussions are the only cases where replacements are permitted right now.

Stokes, however, called the suggestion “absolutely ridiculous” because “too many loopholes” would result from doing so.

According to Stokes, “you pick your XI for a game, and injuries are a part of it.” “The replacement concussion is player welfare and safety, and I fully understand that.”