England match-winner Ben Stokes urges skipper Alastair Cook not to rest him ahead of busy schedule
BEN STOKES is the ultimate team man but has little intention of playing England’s game of musical chairs.
Captain Alastair Cook says England must rotate players in the coming weeks — and predicts a couple of changes for the Second Test against Bangladesh which starts on Friday.
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But, after inspiring England to their nerve-fraying, 22-run victory here yesterday, superstar all-rounder Stokes does not want to sit on the bench. Not even for a single match.
It is a huge conundrum for England.
Stokes inspires England with batting, bowling and fielding, as well as being the abrasive character who provides an extra psychological edge. He is the heartbeat of the team.
But his physical commitment borders on the manic and he has suffered three injuries in the past year.
Should England wrap him in cotton wool and give him a breather so he is fit and firing for the five-Test series against India?
Stokes is in no doubt. Rest? You have got to be joking.
Stokes made three key contributions to England’s win.
His four wickets in Bangladesh’s first innings — including a spell of 6-2-9-3 on the third morning — was followed by a patient, skilful knock of 85 and the two wickets in three balls yesterday that finished the job.
Victory maintained England’s 100 per cent Test record over the Tigers — played nine, won nine.
The shuffling of the side by Cook and head coach Trevor Bayliss for Friday could include seamer Jake Ball coming in for Chris Woakes or Stuart Broad, while left-arm spinner Zafar Ansari might replace Adil Rashid.
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There is likely to be less tinkering among the batsmen.
Cook explained: “In an ideal world, we don’t want to get to India with people having not played much cricket.
“There are some fine players who didn’t make this team and we must be aware of the hot conditions and energy levels.
“I’m pretty sure there will be some changes for the Second Test — more on the bowling side to start with.
“We’ve always been clear that we would rotate. I say it every single time we speak about Stokesy — the guy is that X Factor cricketer which every team would love to have.
“He balances our side, gives us options and allows us to play the extra seamer or spinner.”
Vice-captain Joe Root added: “Ben is just a fantastic cricketer, learning on the job, getting better and better and more confident.
“He is such a natural leader and people want to play with him because you know things will happen.”
Although England’s three spinners shared 12 wickets, they all conceded more than three runs per over in both innings.
That is too many on a turning pitch in a low-scoring game. Somehow, the trio must find more accuracy.
Adil Rashid, in particular, purveys a cocktail of jaffas and pies.
He is never going to be Shane Warne but he must find greater consistency, otherwise the likes of India’s Virat Kohli will destroy him.
Cook added: “I think the spinners bowled pretty well. It’s a different mentality when the ball is turning and everyone is saying, ‘The spinners must take wickets’.
“Being able to deal with that is not easy. We have a young spin attack in terms of Test experience and I thought they handled themselves well.
“Maybe they missed their lengths a little too much and let off the pressure, but I genuinely believe they’ll get better.”
Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim was upbeat despite his team’s defeat.
He said: “The boys put in so much effort over the last five day.
“Nobody expected Bangladesh to play in this manner after 15 months, so we had to prove we could do something.
“After 15 months since our last Test, I’m proud. Our boys really fought it out and hopefully we’ll do the same in the next match.
“England have a lot of experienced players and the defeat was a learning experience. It was a good Test for Bangladesh.”