Sports

“Don’t Think IPL Will Jeopardise Stokes’ Ashes Return,” Says England Coach McCullum

England head coach Brendon McCullum believes the upcoming IPL will not “jeopardise” Ben Stokes’ Ashes return and expressed faith in Chennai Super Kings’ medical team to look after the premier all-rounder.

Struggling with a recurring left knee injury, the English skipper bowled only nine overs in the two-Test series against New Zealand. He also looked in pain during his knock of 33 in their dramatic one-run defeat.

‘Chennai set-up is excellent in looking’

“I don’t think he’s jeopardising it (by playing the IPL). The Chennai set-up is excellent in looking after their players and they have a very good medical team and he will be well looked after,” McCullum was quoted saying in ESPNCricinfo.

“The skipper has a strong mind and he knows how to get right for the big moments. His life is that, right? So I don’t have any concerns.”

Third most expensive buy: Stokes

Stokes was the third most expensive buy at the IPL 2023 auction, where CSK snapped him for Rs 16.25 crore.

The most lucrative franchise league is set to get underway on March 31 with CSK taking on defending champion Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad.

The tournament will conclude on May 28, while the five-Test Ashes will begin at Edgbaston on June 16. The Stokes-led England would be looking to reclaim the series for the first time since 2015.

England’s Ashes winners Michael Vaughan and Steve Harmison, however, have urged Stokes not to play in the IPL.

Also Read: IND vs AUS Third Test : Jadeja stars again with 4 wickets, Australian Lead of 47 Runs at Stumps on Day 1

‘Ashes script’

But McCullum looked at the bigger picture and said Stokes would be keen to write the “Ashes script”.

“In fact, I look forward to watching him play in it and see, without captaincy as well, the opportunity to play cricket without worrying about everybody else, knowing when he comes back into the fold and leads us into the Ashes campaign he’ll have the bit between his teeth and I think we’ll be alright,” said the coach.

“He sees the big picture in everything, so I’ve no concerns that the skipper will be totally looked after. And I also believe that the Ashes is the script that the skipper is waiting to write, so he’ll be sweet.”

Source PTI

Bharat Express English

Recent Posts

EAM Jaishankar, Australian FM Bilateral Talks Highlight Anti-Terror Cooperation

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a telephonic conversation with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong…

12 mins ago

Putin And Modi Reaffirm Strategic Ties During High-Level Phone Call

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation to…

24 mins ago

Success Of Operation Sindoor Dedicated To Indian Women: PM Modi

Calling the Pahalgam terror attack a personal tragedy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday dedicated…

39 mins ago

BJP Launches 10-Day Tiranga Yatra To Honour Armed Forces And Celebrate Operation Sindoor

The ruling party aims to reach out to every citizen and showcase the valour of…

50 mins ago

India Military Crushes Pakistan’s Aggression Across Land, Sea & Sky

Senior military officials on Monday delivered a detailed account of India's robust defence posture and…

3 hours ago

Sensex, Nifty Clock Best Single-Day Rally In 4 Years; Investors Richer By Rs 16 Lakh Crore

Indian investors gained over ₹16 lakh crore in a single day after markets rallied sharply…

3 hours ago