Ben Stokes can make a huge impact without even bowling a ball: Brendon McCullum

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London. As England’s home summer begins with their only Test match against Ireland at Lord’s, Test head coach Brendon McCullum says skipper Ben Stokes can make a huge impact without even bowling a ball.

Stokes had injured his left knee during the drawn Test series in New Zealand in February. Since then, he has bowled just one over in one of his two matches for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2023, where his appearances were limited due to various niggles.

Ahead of the Ireland Test, Stokes had said his left knee was in much better shape than it was in New Zealand and was trying to make the best of his opportunity to play a role with the ball in England’s home summer.

“The captain writes his own script and this is the biggest platform you can possibly get. He has something up his sleeve. He has to fight the pain barrier at times but we know he is not intimidated by it. . We just want to make sure that we monitor it. If anything, it may be that we have to pull it back from time to time and make sure it has longevity as well.”

McCullum was quoted as saying by Sky Sports, “He has a long life to live after cricket and I want to make sure he does everything he can. Even if he doesn’t bowl a ball He will have a tremendous impact in this series as well. We are very fortunate to have him as our captain.”

Since Stokes and McCullum took over as captain and coach of the Test team last year, England have adopted an ultra-aggressive brand of play in the longest format of the game, which has seen them defeat New Zealand, India, South Africa and Ten have won out of 12 matches against Pakistan.

Talking about his time so far, McCullum said that he is very happy to see the growth of the players in the last 12 months. “The real fun for us as coaches is working with the boys, building those relationships and getting to know them as people. Seeing what their lives are like and working with them on their skills.”

After playing the four-day Test against Ireland at Lord’s, England will play the first Ashes Test against Australia at Edgbaston from June 16 to 20. The rest of the matches will be played at Lord’s (28 June-2 July), Headingley (6-10 July), Old Trafford (19-23 July) and The Oval (27-31 July).

Australia have not won an Ashes series in England since 2001, while the Stokes-led side will be looking to regain the urn for the first time since 2015.

–IANS

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