Ben Stokes Needs 17 Sixes In India Test Series To Become First Player In The World To Score 100 Sixes In WTC (Source: AP)
Photo : AP
India and England are set for a gripping five-match Test series from June 20. India have not won a series in England since 2007, when Rahul Dravid led them to glory with a 1-0 win; however, the team did perform well on the last tour when they drew the series 2-2.
India went through a massive change ahead of the series as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli announced their retirements from the format. India also don't have the services of Mohammed Shami, while Jasprit Bumrah won't be available to play all five Tests. There is no denying the fact that the upcoming series will be a tough assignment for India.
But England themselves have a few issues to deal with. After the retirement of James Anderson and Stuart Broad, England's bowling has lost venom. More so, the batting rests a lot on Joe Root, as other batters haven't been very consistent.
Ben Stokes On Cusp Of History
Ben Stokes will be another important player for England, but his form is a concern. Stokes hasn't scored a hundred in a Test since June 2023, and has only seven fifty-plus scores to show in 18 Tests at an average of 33. England would want Stokes to find form against India, given that the series will be followed by a brutal Ashes.
Meanwhile, Stokes will have a chance to create a unique record during the India series. Stokes, who has scored 3312 runs in 53 Tests of the WTC, needs another 17 sixes to become the first player in the world to score 100 sixes in WTC. Stokes already tops the charts of most sixes in WTC, with 83 maximums to his name.
India vs England Test Series Schedule
The series will kick off on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds, before the teams move to Edgbaston for the second Test from July 2–6. The third Test will be played at the iconic Lord’s from July 10–14, while the fourth Test will take place at Old Trafford, Manchester, from July 23–27. The series will culminate at The Oval, London, with the final Test scheduled from July 31 to August 4.
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