IND vs ENG 2024: “He’s a very special talent” – Ben Stokes confirms Ben Foakes as wicketkeeper for series opener against India

England skipper Ben Stokes has confirmed that Ben Stokes will keep the wickets in the first Test match against India at Hyderabad. Stokes said Foakes is a very special talent and he can do things that other wicket-keepers can’t do.

Foakes has impressed with his glovework and he is going to hold the key for the visitors while keeping. The right-hander has scored 934 runs in 19 Test matches at an average of 33.36.

Foakes was part of the 2021 tour to India and had impressed with his glovework but he could only manage 78 runs in three Test matches at a paltry average of 15.60.

“He can not only do things other keepers can’t, but also make them look incredibly easy. He’s a very special talent behind there and having someone like that who can maybe take a 2%, 3% chance, that could be massive in the series,” said Stokes while speaking to the reporters ahead of the opening Test.

Meanwhile, Stokes backed Tom Hartley to deliver the goods for the visitors. The left-arm orthodox spinner has scalped 40 wickets in 20 first-class matches.

“Tom is someone who’s very tall. He bowls at a very difficult pace to be able to handle out here. He’s someone who gets a lot of natural variation which, in India, is sometimes the hardest thing to face where you’ve got two of the same ball, ball after ball, and one turns square and then one could skid on and pick up pace,” stated Stokes.

Stokes added he will never put himself ahead of the team in any situation. The talisman has been a huge match-winner for England in the last few years.

“I’d never put myself ahead of the team if I didn’t think I could go out and play at a certain level. I’d never be that selfish to think of myself not performing at a certain level and what that could do to the team. I’ve done everything I needed to do to say I’m ready to go and play a Test match for England. I might have some long days in the field but I’m ready,” said Stokes.

The first Test match between India and England will be played at Hyderabad from January 25 onwards.