Ben Stokes defends 'quality' Jonny Bairstow’s Ranchi Test selection

India and England are gearing up for the fourth Test match of the ongoing five-match series. The match will take place at the JSCA Complex Stadium in Ranchi, starting on Friday, February 23.

Recently, England announced their squad for this crucial Test, and one name that has captured everyone’s attention is Jonny Bairstow. Despite struggling with poor form in the series so far, Bairstow has managed to secure a spot in the playing XI.

Captain Ben Stokes has robustly defended Bairstow’s selection in the lineup. He stressed the importance of evaluating a player's contributions over a prolonged duration, noting that although batters might encounter challenges intermittently, it is crucial to acknowledge their overall impact over time. Bairstow’s track record as a valuable team member and asset to the unit has heavily influenced the decision to include him in the lineup.

"If batters have a tough time over a short period, it will come under scrutiny. I don’t look at it like that, I look at what Jonny has contributed for a long period of time since I've been captain. He has money in the bank, he's a quality player. He's someone who has been very integral to what we've done," Stokes was quoted as by The Cricketer. 

England make changes to its lineup for the fourth Test Match

To bounce back from consecutive defeats, England have made strategic alterations to their lineup ahead of the upcoming Test match in Ranchi. Shoaib Bashir has replaced Rehan Ahmed, aiming to address England’s bowling challenges encountered during the Rajkot match. Additionally, 30-year-old Ollie Robinson returns to the team, taking over from Mark Wood, with an eye on the spin-friendly conditions expected later in the game. 

All eyes are now fixed on the young talent, Shoaib Bashir, as England seek to turn their fortunes around in the ongoing Test series. The Ranchi pitch is envisaged to present difficulties for both teams, with spin bowlers likely to play a crucial role as the match unfolds. Having debuted and impressed with a four-wicket haul in Visakhapatnam, ending up with impressive match figures of 53-1-196-4, including key dismissals of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, Shoaib Bashir now has another opportunity to exhibit his skills on the international stage.

Also Read: IND vs ENG 2024: Ollie Robinson, Shoaib Bashir included in England XI for Ranchi Test