New Delhi: As anticipation builds for the upcoming five-match Test series between India and England, England captain Ben Stokes has issued a strong message, making it clear that his team harbours no fear of star Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah. Speaking to the media ahead of the series opener on Friday, Stokes acknowledged Bumrah’s class but downplayed the notion that the Indian spearhead could single-handedly decide the outcome of the series.
“No fear. In international cricket, you come up against quality opposition all the time. We know his class and what he brings to any team he plays for, but in terms of fear—definitely not,” Stokes said confidently. While praising Bumrah as a world-class bowler, the England skipper asserted that cricket is a team sport and one player alone cannot carry a side to victory in a long Test series. “I don’t think one bowler alone is going to win the series for either team. All 11 players have to stand up. There isn’t just one person in either team holding the key to success,” he added.
Meanwhile, England batting legend Joe Root has expressed his commitment to returning the support he received from Stokes during his own tenure as captain. Root, who led England from 2017 to 2022, passed on the leadership mantle to Stokes and has since flourished under his successor’s captaincy. Since stepping down as skipper, Root has scored 3,117 runs in 36 Tests at an average of 56.67, and describes this period as the “most enjoyable” of his career.
“Ben did so much for me as my vice-captain. Now it’s my turn to give something back,” Root said in a conversation with Sky Sports. He admitted that rejoining the team as a non-captain initially felt strange, but he found his purpose in contributing heavily with the bat. “It was difficult and weird coming back into the team after being leader. I didn’t want to step on his toes, but I wanted to support him. I knew a big part of that was scoring runs and making an impact,” Root said.
The camaraderie between Stokes and Root has become a cornerstone of England’s Test resurgence. Root’s continued dominance with the bat and Stokes’ fearless leadership will be vital as England prepare to face a strong Indian side on home turf.
With both teams stacked with match-winners and high expectations on either side, the stage is set for an epic Test series, beginning this Friday.
