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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Top orders to be tested as England face India without Stokes

England’s Joe Root (L) chats with Ben Stokes (R)

LONDON – Batsmen on both sides are set to face a stiff examination when an England team without Ben Stokes face India in the first Test in Nottingham starting on Wednesday.

Although England captain Joe Root boasts an impressive Test average of 48.68, the next best in his side belongs to opener Rory Burns, with 33.23.

Zak Crawley in particular has seen his Test returns decline dramatically since making a brilliant 267 against Pakistan, with a mere 123 runs in 12 subsequent innings.

Following England’s 1-0 series loss to New Zealand in June — their first home campaign reverse in seven years — former captain Alastair Cook said the current top order “can’t handle” the pressure of Test cricket.

There are worries too about India’s batsmen ahead of a five-match…

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