England Test captain Ben Stokes has demanded flat and fast pitches for the upcoming Ashes series. Stokes also revealed that he will pick the best team for the series and already had a starting XI in his mind.
“I think I know what the starting XI is going to be, there or thereabouts,” Stokes was quoted as saying on Sky Sports during their Indian Premier League coverage.
“Having the option to bowl above 90mph, any captain wants that. [But] when it comes to that first Test I will be making sure I pick the best team for that first game.
“We’ve been clear with the ground staff what type of wickets we want and they have been responsive. We want flat, fast wickets. We want to score quickly. If that brings [Australia’s] guys in, they will be happy. I’m smiling, because I’m looking forward to it,” he added.
All-rounder Stokes has mostly played as a batter during IPL 2023 with Chennai Super Kings due to knee problems.
On his own fitness, Stokes said, “Medically and in the gym, plus cortisone injections – everything is going nicely. But I’m not going to rush myself, the main priority is making sure I can fulfill my role as a fourth seamer in the Ashes.”
No doubt that the England captain is demanding for fast pitches because they have speedsters like Mark Wood and Jofra Archer in their team.
The first Ashes test will be held at Edgbaston from June 16.