Ben Stokes drops blunt remark about young spinner ahead of 2nd Test against India

England is currently on a 5-match Test tour against India. Ben Stokes' side surprised everyone after beating the home side by 28 runs in the 1st Test. They played their natural brand of cricket, rather than the conditions in the subcontinent. Ahead of the 2nd Test, Shoaib Bashir, the young England spinner, is expected to make his debut in the second Test of the series against England in Visakhapatnam.

Bashir was unable to make his debut in the series opening match due to visa issues, which forced him to return home from the UAE rather than join his teammates in India. With Jack Leach ruled out of the second Test, England captain Stokes intimated he may turn to Bashir. However, the Stokes declined to confirm that Bashir will be a part of the playing XI. 

The captain was asked about the 20-year-old spinner, and he gave a rather tricky answer, saying if the spinner was meant to play in the match, he would. Vice-captain Ollie Pope and English head coach Brendon McCullum have looked at the Vizag pitch, based on which a decision will be made. 

That is how I will be thinking about it if he gets the chance to play: Ben Stokes

Stokes said, speaking of Leach's injury, "He's ruled out of the second Test. Unfortunately, the knock he took resulted in a hematoma in his leg. It's a big shame for us, a big shame for Jack, obviously after a long time out of the game with his back.  If he was to play on this tour, then the great thing he has on his side is, what is there to lose?."

"That is how I will be thinking about it if he gets the chance to play: just to make sure I can give him the best experience I possibly can. Because you only play your first Test match once. If he does play, then I will be trying to make it as enjoyable and fun for him as I can."