glen rae

ODI World Cup: Ahead of the fourth Test against India, England’s vice-captain Ollie Pope believes there is ‘definitely a chance’ skipper Ben Stokes will take up bowling duties in the match starting on February 23.

Stokes has taken 197 wickets in Tests at an average of 32.07, and last bowled in the format during the second Ashes Test at Lord's last year due to a troublesome left knee issue. After playing in the ODI World Cup in India as a specialist batter, Stokes underwent a knee surgery in November and of late, has resumed bowling in the nets, with team doctor Glen Rae watching him on at Ranchi.

After England lost the Rajkot Test to India by 434 runs to be 2-1 behind in the five-game series, Stokes had raised the chance of bowling in the series, days after saying that a possibility like that was ruled out, citing the pinky promise he made to the physio Ben Davies.