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'Good Job:' - Ben Stokes’ 'Sarcastic' Reply To Harmison’s England's '0-5 Loss To India Remark

image-lqqqwfqhStokes will not bowl in the Test series against India. (AP)

England all-rounder Ben Stokes has responded to criticism from former fast bowler Steve Harmison regarding England's preparation schedule for the upcoming five-Test series in India.

Recently, Harmison expressed concerns about England's preparations before their tour to India, emphasising that Stokes' team aims to secure a Test series victory in India for only the second time in their history.

Stokes, however, defended the team's approach, highlighting their plans for additional training and took to Twitter, stating, 

"Good job we’re going to Abu Dhabi for a training camp before we go to India for even more training before the 1st Test then isn’t it."

The England captain, who is recovering from knee surgery in November, will aim to lead the team in the first Test in Hyderabad at the end of January. Despite the lack of warm-up fixtures in India, England plans to prepare for the series opener on January 25 with a week-long workout in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Stokes, who has been playing as a specialist batter due to fitness concerns, played a key role in England's recent Test successes under his and Brendon McCullum's leadership. Despite concerns about his fitness and inability to bowl in India, Stokes is expected to play a significant role in the series.

The 32-year-old cricketer underwent knee surgery after the 2023 World Cup, and his recovery will be challenging to ensure he is fit for the first Test against India on January 25. Although Stokes could only bowl in two of England's six Test matches in the summer, he has been influential as a specialist batter since the second Ashes Test at Lord’s.

Against a tough opposition in India for a challenging series, England has included three uncapped players—Shoaib Bashir, Tom Hartley, and Gus Atkinson—for the upcoming Test tour. Under Stokes and McCullum's leadership, England has remained unbeaten in Test cricket, with draw games against New Zealand overseas and Australia in the Ashes at home. However, India is expected to present a formidable challenge.

The five-match series is scheduled to commence on January 25, 2024, and will extend until March. The matches will be hosted at five different venues: Hyderabad, Vizag, Rajkot, Ranchi, and Dharamsala.