Barring stokes

Cricket YouTube Channel: England skipper Ben Stokes' fitness has always been the billion dollar question, especially after undergoing surgery due to the reoccurrence of a hamstring injury. But on return against Zimbabwe, he managed to electrify with his bowling returns.

But come June 20, the day when England’s five-match Test series against India begins in the vibrant city of Leeds, it will also mark the beginning of Stokes’ most defining era as England’s Test captain.

Last summer, the importance of the India series notwithstanding, winning the Ashes in Australia came out as the ultimate goal for England. But it’s difficult to imagine England succeeding against India and later in Australia unless Stokes makes a substantial contribution with both bat and ball, where he has this uncanny ability to make things happen with either skill.