The first match of the five-match Test series will be played between India and England from Friday, June 20. Both the teams have completed their preparations for this important series. Meanwhile, a big statement of England captain Ben Stokes has come to the fore. He has said that Team India has not become weak in the absence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
Stokes believes that Team India does not lack even without Virat and Rohit, because they have a storehouse of talent. The Indian team, which is going through a phase of change, will start the five-Test series against England with the first Test starting here on Friday.
Team India is still powerful without Rohit and Kohli: Stokes
For the first time after the retirement of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Team India is on a foreign tour. During this, Shubman Gill will also lead Team India abroad for the first time for Test.
Stokes said on the evening before the Headingley Test, "A lot is being said that Virat is not there, Rohit is not there and Ashwin is not there, but this does not mean that this match against India will be easier than before. Indian cricket has a storehouse of talent."
No dearth of talent in India: Stokes
Further, the English captain said that Virat, Rohit and Ashwin have performed brilliantly for the country but this does not mean that it will be easy to bat or bowl in front of the players who replace them. These three names are very big. They have performed brilliantly for their country, but even in their absence the challenge will not be easy for us.We have spent a lot of time in the IPL and we know that there is no dearth of talent in India."
After this, he talked about India's legendary bowler Jasprit Bumrah. Stokes said, "Bumrah will lead their attack and he is a great player but there are 11 players in a team and to win in cricket the team has to play well."
Prakash Kumar Pandey