Brendon McCullum unleashes “Greyhound” comparison, insists Ben Stokes is ‘good to go” for Hyderabad Test
Excitement boils over as India prepares to clash with England in a five-match Test series set to ignite Hyderabad on January 25th. For over a decade, India has been an impenetrable fortress in home Test matches, with their last series defeat on native soil a distant memory from 2012. But this time, the buzz carries a different flavour. Enter England, a team transformed under the audacious leadership of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum.
Their brand of cricket, christened “Bazball” by the media, is an electrifying cocktail of attacking intent and fearless strokeplay, a stark contrast to the traditional grind of Test cricket. This clash of styles between India’s homegrown dominance and England’s revolutionary swagger promises a spectacle that will have cricket fans across the globe glued to their screens.
“He looks like a greyhound”- Brendon McCullum
However, a cloud has been hanging over England’s aggressive charge as Stokes, their talismanic leader, races against time to be fit for the first Test. Having recently undergone knee surgery, whispers of doubt have surrounded his availability. Yet, head coach McCullum has painted a picture of cautious optimism.
“He looks like a greyhound,” McCullum declared, referring to Stokes’ recovery progress. The comparison is apt, evoking agility and power- crucial ingredients for the Bazball philosophy. “He’s put the hard work in and everyone knows his work ethic is phenomenal. I’ve seen him running around and I think he’s good to go. We’ll obviously make that call as late as what we need to,” he added. While the final decision rests on late fitness checks, McCullum’s words hint at a potential green light for Stokes.
English fans will hope that McCullum’s optimism leads to fruition a Stokes’ presence is more than just a matter of skill; it’s about the very spirit of Bazball. His fiery leadership is the fuel that propels this unorthodox engine. The tourists have already lost the services of the talented Harry Brook, who opted out of the tour owing to personal reasons and hence will not want any further setback. However, if Stokes is ruled out, Ollie Pope, the designated vice-captain, will take the helm.
