England all-rounder Ben Stokes has given fans a glimmer of hope with his recent bowling session ahead of the second Test against India. Stokes, who has been sidelined from bowling in international cricket since the Ashes 2023 due to a troublesome knee, seems to be gradually working his way back into form.
Addressing the press ahead of the upcoming fixture, Stokes revealed his plans to reintroduce bowling into his game. “You will see me bowl tomorrow. This trip is a back-to-bowling programme for me,” he stated. He emphasized the importance of gradually building up his bowling workload, starting with low-impact sessions to get his body accustomed to the demands.
Despite ruling himself out of bowling during the game, Stokes expressed his eagerness to resume bowling activities. His recent session at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam, where he bowled on a length without a full run-up, provided a glimpse of his progress.
The video shared by journalist George Dobell quickly gained traction on social media, sparking optimism among fans about Stokes’ return to full bowling fitness.
WATCH: Stokes bowling in nets without run-up
In team news, England has made two changes to their playing XI for the second Test. Bashir has been included in place of the injured Jack Leach, who has been ruled out with a knee injury. The visitors will be looking to maintain their winning momentum after securing victory in the opening Test in Hyderabad.
Stokes’ potential return to bowling adds depth and balance to the England side, providing captaincy options and bolstering their bowling resources. As the countdown to the second Test begins, all eyes will be on Stokes as he continues his journey towards full fitness, aiming to make a significant impact with both bat and ball against the formidable Indian side.