I don’t see how they can play him, as much as I think he should be in the side” – Mark Butcher on Ben Foakes’ likely absence from India Tests Z.
Mark Butcher on Ben Foakes’ likely absence from India Tests Z
Former England batsman Mark Butcher believes wicketkeeper-batsman Ben Foakes would be left out of the starting XI when Ben Stokes and his teammates travel to India for a demanding five-match Test series.
During the Ashes, Foakes was controversially omitted from the playing XI to make room for Jonny Bairstow and Harry Brook, both in form middle-order batsmen.
Foakes revealed his sadness at missing out on the famous series, especially when his skipper recently referred to him as the ‘greatest wicketkeeper in the world’.
Foakes has already demonstrated his ability to play spin and even keep wickets against tricky rank turners.
He was a member of the England team that toured India and defeated 3-1 in 2021. During that series, he scored 78 runs in six innings for an average of 15.60.
Foakes’ reputation for playing spin began with his brilliant first series in Sri Lanka.
The wicketkeeper-batter achieved a remarkable century on debut and 277 runs in the three-match series.
“I don’t feel our spinners are good enough to do that” – Butcher on England potentially playing with only four bowlers
Foakes’ selection is dependent on either one of the middle-order hitters or a bowler being dropped.
If they chose the latter, England will only have four bowling options in the team, with Stokes unlikely to bowl immediately following his knee surgery.
Furthermore, with the subcontinent conditions requiring several spinners. England will only be allowed to select two pacers and two spinners in the playing XI. With Joe Root serving as the third spin-bowling option.
Butcher believes England’s spin bowling team. Which consists primarily of inexperienced contenders in the form of Rehan Ahmed, Tom Hartley, and Shoaib Bashir. Will not perform effectively in a four-bowler setup.
Butcher noted that Stokes will need to have three frontline pacers in his squad.
Stuart Broad has announced his retirement, leaving England without him. The team’s fast-bowling options are James Anderson, Mark Wood, and Ollie Robinson, with Chris Woakes left out.
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