'I don’t think it’s anything to be too concerned about' - Ben Stokes provides clarity on Shoaib Bashir's inclusion despite illness

In a recent turn of events, England's Shoaib Bashir is battling an upset stomach, throwing a curveball into the team's preparations for the fifth Test against India. Despite this setback, England remain optimistic about Bashir's availability for the crucial match.

The unexpected health issues emerged when both Bashir and seamer Ollie Robinson woke up feeling unwell on Wednesday morning, prompting them to miss the afternoon practice. Taking precautionary measures, the duo has been isolated from the rest of the team to prevent any potential outbreak.

While Robinson has been replaced by Mark Wood, England are determined to keep Bashir as one of the two spinners alongside slow left-armer Tom Hartley. England captain Ben Stokes expressed confidence in Bashir's recovery and said that he doesn't think it’s anything to be too concerned about.

“I don’t think it’s anything to be too concerned about. The day before the game you don’t want to put anybody at risk so we’ve decided to keep them away from the team. It’s the sensible thing to do. When you’ve got so many people contained in the same space all the time you want to limit the chance of it spreading," Stokes said as quoted by The Independent.

Stokes, emphasizing the importance of player safety, highlighted the need to minimize the risk of illness spreading within the team.

"It’s not a major issue, we just wanted to safeguard against anything spreading to someone else," Stokes added.

Despite the setback, Stokes downplayed the possibility of last-minute changes, even with two umpires staying at the team hotel also falling ill. The on-field official Joel Wilson and TV umpire Kumar Dharmasena's illness might lead to fourth umpire Jayaraman Madanagopal being on standby.

Stokes explained, "I have not thought too far ahead" regarding contingency plans, expressing his faith in the team's ability to adapt. England are already down to two frontline spinners after opting not to bring in replacements for Jack Leach and Rehan Ahmed, who returned home.

The picturesque HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala, nestled in the Himalayan foothills, presents a unique challenge with cooler conditions. Stokes initially expected to play three seamers and a lone spinner but revealed a rethink based on the current pitch conditions, describing it as an "absolute belter" for batting.

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Stokes stated, "Playing two seamers and still having Bash and Tom gives us a good mixture when you’re a little bit unsure of what it will do as the Test goes on."

It’s been an amazing career to date and I can’t see him stopping: Stokes

The focus remains on James Anderson, who is on the brink of reaching a historic milestone—700 Test dismissals. Stokes lauded Anderson's commitment and fitness at the age of 41, expressing admiration for his teammate's enduring hunger for success.

“It’s been an amazing career to date and I can’t see him stopping. I have played with Jimmy for a long time and I’ve never seen him as physically fit as he is right now. Being 41, showing that hunger and desire to get better every single day is testament to his attitude and commitment," he added.