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    IPL 2021: Delhi Capitals Roped Ajay Ratra as their Assistant Coach

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    Ajay Ratra
    Ajay Ratra

    Former India wicketkeeper Ajay Ratra will be making his maiden foray into the Indian Premier League(IPL) after he was appointed as the assistant coach for the Delhi Capitals for IPL 2021.

    Ajay Ratra roped in by Delhi Capitals

    Ratra’s last assignment was with the Assam state team in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy. The 39-year-old has coached the Punjab state team in the past and has also worked as a fielding and wicketkeeping coach with the Indian women’s cricket team during camps.

    “We would like to welcome Ajay Ratra to the Delhi Capitals family. His experience, as player and coach will be invaluable, as we look to take the franchise from strength to strength. We are excited to have him on board, and wish him all the very best for the upcoming season,” said Vinod Bisht, the CEO of Delhi Capitals.

    The finalists of IPL 2020 have Australia legend Ricky Ponting as their head coach, who is assisted by Mohammad Kaif, Pravin Amre, and James Hopes. Ratra will be joining Ponting’s team.

    “I am honored to join Delhi Capitals as Assistant Coach. This is a very exciting team to work with, abundant with talent. I can’t wait to meet the team and contribute to its success. I am grateful to the Delhi Capitals management for giving me this wonderful opportunity,” Ratra said in a statement released by the franchise.

    Ratra, who is currently employed by ONGC as Manager (Corporate Communications) played six Tests and 12 ODIs for India.

    IPL 2021 is scheduled to begin from April 9 with the opening match between defending champions Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore at Chennai.

    If you forget to check the IPL 2021 full schedule and squad click here.

    IPL 2021: BCCI Removes ‘Soft Signal’ Following Virat Kohli’s Plea

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    IPL 2021
    IPL trophy

    India skipper Virat Kohli had recently spoken about the need to remove the soft signal when referring to a decision to the third-umpire and this point has been discussed by the BCCI as they have done away with soft signals for the IPL 2021.

    No Soft Signal in IPL 2021

    Going by reports on Saturday, March 27, the BCCI has made changes to Appendix D – Clause 2.2.2 of the playing conditions for the IPL. The clause states the rule regarding the soft signal.

    Here’s how the BCCI has updated the ‘soft signal’ rule for IPL 2021: “Soft Signal: On-field Umpire giving Soft Signal while referring the decision to the 3rd Umpire will not be applicable.” Sources, privy to the development, told that the soft signal creates confusion.

    “There have been cases wherein the soft signal has kind of created confusion rather than giving clarity to the third umpire and that is why it was felt that going back to the old method of referring decisions to the third umpire if the on-field umpires are not sure should be followed,” a source told ANI.

    Kohli insist to remove Soft Signal

    During India’s five-match home T20I series against England, the rule created some ruckus.

    In the fourth game in Ahmedabad, Suryakumar Yadav was given out after the third umpire didn’t find ‘conclusive evidence’ to go against the on-field umpire’s soft signal ‘Out’. Dawid Malan had taken the catch, which didn’t seem clean to the naked eye.

    Dawid Malan's controversy catch of Suryakumar Yadav
    Suryakumar Yadav(Left), Dawid Malan(Right)

    Earlier Kohli made his feeling apparent about the soft call saying one need to question if the spirit of the game remains intact with the confusion it creates.

    “If it hits the stumps or missing the stumps, it should not matter how much the ball is clipping because it is creating a lot of confusion. One more factor that needs to be considered is how the fielding team responds to a dismissal that is claimed,” Kohli said.

    “This is somewhere defining the soft signals as well. You have to question what the spirit of the game is and what those guidelines are because if things like that happen with the Indian cricket team overseas then you are talking about the completely different conversation about the spirit of the game.”

    He further added that the lack of clarity over the rules leaves a grey area in the game.
    “So look, it is a serious thing which needs to be considered because there is a lot at stake in bigger tournaments. You do not want any grey area hampering the game and it leaves with you no clarity,” he said.

    IPL 2021: Mumbai Indians(MI) Unveiled their New Jersey

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    Mumbai Indians(MI) new jersey for IPL 2021
    Mumbai Indians(MI) new jersey for IPL 2021

    Five-time champions, Mumbai Indians (MI) unveiled their new jersey ahead of the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

    MI Introduced New Jersey

    Mumbai Indians in their press release said that the new jersey is designed by renowned fashion designer duo Shantanu and Nikhil, “captures the composition of the 5 basic elements of the Universe – Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Sky.”

    “Mumbai Indians has carried forward a legacy every year, built on our core values and ideologies. Our five IPL titles are testament to our commitment to these values and it is extremely fulfilling that we have been able to signify it through our jersey this year,” the media release quoted a Mumbai Indians spokesperson.

    “There is a lot of thought which goes into designing our jerseys every year because we understand that it is worn by our players and fans with a sense of pride and honour. This season we decided to wear the elements of our DNA on our jersey, which has enabled us to become the most successful sports club in the country. We shall wear the pride of our Paltan whenever we step out in this jersey,” he added.

    MI vs DC IPL 2020 finals
    Mumbai Indians lifts IPL 2020 trophy

    Mumbai Indians, the most successful franchise in the league, who beat their blue counterparts, Delhi Capitals in the final of the last year’s IPL, added the likes of Piyush Chawla, Jimmy Neesham, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Adam Milne to strengthen their already strong squad ahead of the 14th edition of the league.

    The Rohit Sharma-led side equaled the Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings’ record of winning consecutive titles and now chase a third straight title. IPL 2021 will kick start from April 9 and the first match is scheduled to play between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore at Chennai.

    Sunil Gavaskar Needs Prasidh Krishna to Get Part in Test Format

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    Prasidh Krishna
    Prasidh Krishna

    Former India opener Sunil Gavaskar feels that youngster Prasidh Krishna could be a world-class option for India in the Tests as well.

    Sunil Gavaskar needs Prasidh Krishna to play Test Format

    “With those seam-up deliveries, he is someone the Indian selection committee must consider seriously for red-ball cricket (Tests) as well. Just like Jasprit Bumrah, from T20s and ODIs, has now become India’s premium bowler in the Test format, Prasidh Krishna, with his pace and the seam-up position could be a very, very good red-ball bowler as well,” said Gavaskar.

    Prasidh Krishna with Indian team mates
    Prasidh Krishna with Indian teammates

    Meanwhile, Prasidh Krishna said that he needs to improve while bowling with the new ball.

    The right-arm pace bowler picked four wickets for 54 runs in the first ODI and two for 58 in the second game that Virat Kohli led India lost. While he picked wickets in his later spells, his initial spells in both the matches proved expensive and wicketless.

    “Personally I would like to start better. I would like to improve on how I have been starting, bowling with the new ball. All the runs that I gave away today were bad balls bowled by myself. So I would go back and work on it,” said Prasidh when asked to assess his bowling.

    In the first match that India won by 66 runs, he conceded 37 runs in three overs without taking a wicket in his initial spell with the new ball.

    Prasidh Krishna Post-match Interview 

    In Friday’s second game, where England romped to a six-wicket win, the pacer conceded 0/25 in his first four overs.

    The 25-year-old Karnataka pacer admitted India did not bowl well enough on Friday.

    “We did have a plan and discussed how they were going but we tried our best when we bowled. There were couple of chances that could have gone our way. We must give credit to them, the way they went after our bowling but yeah, there is room for improvement for our bowlers as well,” he said while talking to media in a virtual interaction.

    “We could have bowled better, not denying the fact. But we need to give credit to them for the way they played. Yeah it was an onslaught. We got hit. In white ball cricket, with four outside the circle, between 11-40 overs, this is bound to happen. I know we are going to bounce back stronger. Same situation last game, we did come back and had a great result,” he added.

    “Our execution could have been better. I am talking about myself alone. We did make mistakes.”

    ECB Ready to Offer IPL Franchises Stakes in The Hundred Teams

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    The England and Wales Cricket Board
    ECB

    The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) could offer Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises a stake in The Hundred teams and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) a share of Asian television rights in a bid to lure India’s marquee players such as Virat Kohli into the new 100-ball format tournament.

    ECB Offers IPL franchise to take part in 100 teams

    According to the Telegraph, the ECB is ready to give BCCI a stake in the Asian television right based on how many Indian players participate in the tournament while also providing IPL franchises with a stake in the teams.

    Reportedly, BCCI and ECB had held talks when ECB chairman Ian Watmore and chief executive Tom Harrison were in Ahmedabad for the pink-ball Test in February.

    IPL
    IPL

    Even then Indian players could be made part of the Women’s Hundred edition making the road clear for the men players to participate in the season after that. The stakeholders and officials would meet against when India visit England later in the year.

    Earlier in 2018, Indian captain Virat Kohli had talked about the hectic cricket schedule and how the commercial aspect of the game is taking over the quality of cricket. He had said that he doesn’t want to be a testing sort of cricketer for any newly introduced format.

    “I’m already very… I wouldn’t say frustrated but sometimes it can get very demanding of you when you have to play so much cricket regularly. I feel somewhere the commercial aspect is taking over the real quality of cricket and that hurts me. I don’t want to be a testing sort of a cricketer for any new format. I don’t want to be someone who’s going to be part of that World XI who comes and launches the 100-ball format,” Virat stated during India’s tour of England in 2018.

    IND vs ENG: Jonny Bairstow Slams Sunil Gavaskar Over his Comment

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    Jonny Bairstow slams Sunil Gavaskar for his comment over his Test series performance
    Jonny Bairstow(Right), Sunil Gavaskar(Left)

    England opener Jonny Bairstow slams Sunil Gavaskar for his comment over him. Jonny Bairstow who was an integral part of the England national team failed to prove his worth in the Test series where the visitors lose the series by 3-1.

    Jonny Bairstow slams Sunil Gavaskar

    The right-handed batsman had got three ducks in four Test innings of the series against Virat Kohli led  India that England lost 1-3 earlier this month and Gavaskar had said the batsman looked “uninterested” during his stay at the crease.

    However, after bouncing back into form, scoring 94 and 124 in the first two ODIs while providing England with rocking starts, Bairstow responded to Gavaskar’s comments.

    Jonny Bairstow
    Jonny Bairstow

    “I am interested [in knowing] as to how that opinion could have been made, especially as there’s been no correspondence or communication between myself and him,” said Bairstow.

    “He’s more than welcome to give me a ring and I’ll speak to him about my will to do well in Test cricket, and the enjoyment I do get out of playing Test cricket.

    “My phone is on and if he does want to give me a call or a message, he should feel free.”

    The 31-year-old, with 11 tons, is behind Joe Root (16), Eoin Morgan (13), and Marcus Trescothick (12) in the list of English batsmen with most ODI centuries.

    He said he would love to surpass Root and become England’s top century-maker.

    “Naturally, you would like to have the most ODI hundreds for England,” he said.

    “I’m happy with how I’m playing and I’m happy with those figures, but they mean nothing if you don’t keep converting in the future.”

    Talking about the 2nd ODI, Bairstow and Ben Stokes played knocks of 124 and 99 respectively as England chased down the 337-run target with utmost ease to level the three-match series 1-1 at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune.

    The series decider will be played at the same venue on Sunday.

    Sachin Tendulkar Tested Positive For Novel CoronaVirus

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    Sachin Tendulkar
    Sachin Tendulkar

    Legendary cricketer and former India captain Sachin Tendulkar have tested positive for the novel coronavirus. The cricket legend took to social media to confirm the news with all his followers.

    Sachin Tendulkar tested positive for Coronavirus

    “I have been testing myself and taking all the recommended precautions to ensure Covid is kept at bay. However, I’ve tested positive today following mild symptoms. All others at home have tested negative,” Tendulkar wrote in a statement on his official Twitter profile.

    “I’ve quarantined myself at home and am following all the necessary protocols as advised by my doctors,” the statement further read.

    “I want to thank all the healthcare professionals who are supporting me and many others across the country. Take care all of you.”

    “Sachin has got himself tested and the report has come out positive. He has isolated himself and is following all the necessary protocols,” a source close to the family told news agency PTI on Saturday.

    Sachin Tendulkar, 47, had recently participated in the Road Safety World Series in Raipur where he led the Indian team to the title.

    The tournament was played to spread awareness about road safety measures and featured some of the biggest names of cricket like Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, Brian Lara, Kevin Pietersen, Sanath Jayasuriya, Tilakaratne Dilshan, Jonty Rhodes to name a few.

    Sachin scored 223 in 7 matches in the Road Safety World Series with the highest score of 65. In the tournament, he scored two fifties. In the final, India Legends beat Sri Lanka Legends by 14 runs with Yusuf Pathan emerging as the Man of the Match.

    Fans and cricketers wish for his speedy recovery

    IND vs ENG: Hardik Pandya Sam Curran Gets in Heated Argument

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    Hardik Pandya and Sam Curran gets in heated arguments
    Hardik Pandya and Sam Curran gets in heated arguments

    India allrounder Hardik Pandya and England allrounder Sam Curran indulged in a brief argument in the middle during the 2nd ODI between the two teams in Pune.

    Sam Curran sledged Hardik Pandya

    The incident took place in the 46th over after the left-arm speedster sledged Pandya after bowling a yorker, which the India batsman failed to touch.

    After almost yorking Pandya on the final delivery of that over, Curran was heard saying something as he walked back as an angry Hardik Pandya ran all the way to the non-strikers’ end and lashed out at the younger Curran.

    Hardik seemed to be really annoyed with what had just happened as he kept on talking even when the bowler was not in the frame. The on-field umpire intervened before things got out of control.

    After losing the toss once again, Virat Kohli and team India were invited to bat first by the visitors. Both the openers, Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma could not go big in this game and were dismissed cheaply. However, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli provided stability to the Indian innings to stitch together a century partnership.

    Virat once again failed to reach his century as his wait for his 72nd international century kept on increasing. However, KL Rahul made full use of the opportunity and converted his last game’s form to score his 5th ODI century. Rishabh Pant also came up with a scintillating knock as he scored 77 runs off 40 balls.

    England with Jonny Bairstow’s 124 runs beat India by 6 wickets and stays alive in the 3 match ODI series.

    Krunal Pandya Banter with Tom Curran 

    Coincidentally, their elder brothers Krunal & Tom were also involved in a verbal spat a couple of days ago during the first ODI at the very same venue.

    Krunal Pandya & Tom Curran involved in a verbal spat during the first ODI
    Krunal Pandya & Tom Curran involved in a verbal spat during the first ODI

    The incident took place during the penultimate over of the first innings. On the fifth delivery of that over, Krunal took a single and made his way to the non-strikers’ end and that is when Tom Curran was heard saying something to him.

    The elder Pandya turned behind and lashed out at elder Curran The on-field umpire had to intervene before the situation worsened but the southpaw was in no mood to calm down as he had lost his composure and was heard saying something to the bowler. Even skipper Virat Kohli was seen watching the entire incident in dismay from the dugout.

    Shoaib Akhtar Praises Prasidh Krishna After Impressive ODI Debut

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    Shoaib Akhtar heaps praise on Prasidh Krishna after impressive ODI debut
    Shoaib Akhtar heaps praise on Prasidh Krishna after impressive ODI debut

    Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar is the latest to join the list of players who have heaped praise on Prasidh Krishna following his ODI debut against England.

    Shoaib Akhtar praises Prasidh Krishna

    Akhtar has labeled Prasidh Krishna as “Karishma (Miracle)” after the youngster made a terrific comeback with the ball following an onslaught by Jonny Bairstow in his first spell of the first ODI. Akhtar was even left impressed by the bravery shown by Prasidh as he got into a competitive mode when bowling his second spell of the match.

    Akhtar opined on his Youtube channel, “He’s not Krishna, he’s ‘Karishma’ (miracle). The way he came back after getting beaten by the England openers and scalped four wickets is miraculous.”

    Prasidh Krishna with Indian team mates
    Prasidh Krishna with Indian team mates

    “I’m very happy to see that Prasidh Krishna has made a very impactful comeback in the first ODI against England. As a fast bowler, you need to show your attitude, your guts, your talent and skill to bounce back once you are down after leaking too many runs. But the way he scalped 4 wickets, very well done and keep it up,” Shoaib further said.

    Akthar further said that it is important for a pace bowler to not drop his pace after getting hit by a batsman.

    The Rawalpindi Express added, “Whenever you get hit, just remember one thing – don’t drop your pace. Just keep an eye on the wickets and aim the ball there. You have to do only this if you don’t get what to do. Keep your pace up, never let it go down. End the game by keeping the pace on the higher side.”

    Prasidh will look to continue his good run of form during the second ODI against England, which is currently being played in Pune.

    Watch Shoaib Akhtar on Prasidh Krishna’s impressive bowling performance

    Also read: Inzamam-ul-Haq on Krunal Pandya, Prasidh Krishna’s Impressive Debuts

    IPL 2021: Dhoni Opens up on the Process of CSK’s Team Selection

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    Dhoni
    Dhoni

    Mahendra Singh Dhoni , the former captain of the Indian cricket team and the leader of the three-time champions in Chennai Super Kings, has been trying to let the world know that he remains far away from things like team selection at the time of auctions and trade deadlines.

    Dhoni on CSK’s team selection

    So, when Robin Uthappa was traded to CSK ahead of the mini-auction for the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League, ‘Captain Cool’ ended up calling his new teammate to let him know exactly the same.

    “I want you to know that I didn’t make the decision about you coming in here. It was actually the decision of the leadership group, which involved the coaches and the CEO,” Uthappa revealed in a conversation with ESPNcricinfo how the former Indian skipper called him up to explain everything.

    “The Super Kings breed security within the group, and when you do that, players will do anything for you because they are not focusing on their own performance, they are focusing on trying to win games for you,” he added.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by ROBIN UTHAPPA (@robinaiyudauthappa)

    In other words, Dhoni told Uthappa that the decision to bring him on board ahead of what many consider a swansong series for the skipper, was that of CSK’s team owners and the coaching staff completely based on merit, performance, and well-calculated analysis of his ability to contribute to the squad, while the idea of reuniting Dhoni and Uthappa had nothing to do with the captain himself.

    However, no matter how much fans love Mahi the idea of Dhoni not having a say in team selection, especially in franchise cricket, just doesn’t settle in well with them:

    The last time Uthappa and Dhoni joined forces was way back during the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007 in which the latter was the captain and former, his teammate.

    Playing a crucial role in India’s winning campaign at the tournament, Uthappa’s significant 50 against Pakistan made him the first Indian batsman ever to score a 50 in a T20I match. Uthappa also contributed with the ball as he delivered one of the three balls that hit the stumps and allowed India to win the match in a bowl out.

    IPL 2021: Mike Hesson Explains Why Virat Kohli Decides to Play as Opener

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    Mike Hesson and Virat Kohli
    Mike Hesson(Right), Virat Kohli

    RCB director of cricket Mike Hesson reveals that Virat Kohli took the decision of playing as opener for RCB earlier the IPL 2021 auction.

    Virat Kohli set to play as Opener in IPL 2021

    But Virat Kohli officially reveals that he would play as the opener for RCB in IPL 2021 post his impressive performance in the 5th T20I vs England. Opening the 5th T20I along with Rohit Sharma the duo made an opening partnership of 94 runs where Kohli remains unbeaten while scoring 80 runs.

    Hesson said that Kohli will open the innings alongside young Devdutt Paddikall who impressed many in the last edition of IPL in the UAE.

    Virat Kohli
    Virat Kohli

    “Certainly, we talked about it before the auction because that came in our auction planning in terms of how we wanted to structure our lineup, so certainly no surprise there. delighted that he got an opportunity for India to open the other day and show everybody exactly what he’s capable of. We certainly know that but just another reminder for everybody,” Hesson said on ‘Bold Diaries’.

    “So yeah, really looking forward to Virat opening the batting with Devdutt. You know, left-right combination, different types of players and obviously we know Virat’s record after he gets through the powerplay, he’s phenomenal. So especially if he bats at the top, it’s a slightly different structure and as I said, that helped determine our auction planning as well,” Hesson informed.

    Kohli has an astonishing record while opening the innings in the IPL as he scored 2345 runs at an average of 46.90. All of his five centuries in IPL came as an opening batsman.

    Virat Kohli scored 73 runs against England in 2nd T20I
    Virat Kohli scored 73 runs against England in 2nd T20I

    Earlier, after the series decider against England, Kohli announced that he will open the innings in IPL.

    “I am going to open in the IPL as well. Have batted in different positions in the past. But I feel we have a solid middle-order now. Will definitely like to partner Rohit at the top,” Kohli said at the presentation.

    IND vs ENG: Ben Stokes Need Kohli to Remain Without Scoring Runs

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    Ben Stokes
    Ben Stokes

    England all rounder Ben stokes needs Virat Kohli to not to score any runs during the remaining matches.

    Ben Stokes on Virat Kohli 

    Earlier in the test series both the world class batsmen shared a few heated words on the field.

    Keeping that in mind reporter asked Ben Stokes whether he likes aggressive Virat or not. Virat Kohli usually shows his aggressiveness on field with bat and with his body language. Which sometimes drags him facing fines from ICC but there are fans world wide who loves him for this attitude.

    Virat Kohli and Ben Stokes gets into banter in the first day of the 4th Test match
    Virat Kohli and Ben stokes banter in 4th Test match of India vs England

    “In the 1st Test, we saw a nice Virat who helped Joe. Since then he has been a bit spiky. Which one do you prefer, a nice Virat or a spiky Virat?” a reporter asked. Being at his jovial best, Stokes responded:

    “Personally, I prefer Virat doesn’t get runs, because that (him getting runs) is not good for us.”

    Lauding Kohli’s aggression, Stokes feels that India skipper’s passionate outlook has worked up nicely for India to raise their game across formats. However, the Christchurch-born all-rounder believes England should stick to their own tactics that have been working for them over the years.

    “Every team and every player has a certain way of operating in the field, which makes them successful. As a team over the last four-five years, that’s not the way that works for us,” Stokes said on the eve of their must-win second ODI.

    During the series-deciding 5th T20I between India and England, a heated exchange between Virat Kohli and Jos Buttler happened.
    Virat Kohli argument with on-field umpire

    “We stick to what we do best and what we make is to build a better side. Each team is entitled to their own way of operations. India have there and we have ours,” the dashing all-rounder added.

    After their 66-run loss in the first ODI, England risk of being usurped for their World No. 1 ranking but Stokes said it’s not their driving force.

    “We deserve to be No 1 because of our results and how we played our cricket and we won’t go away from that. Being No 1 is obviously a fantastic thing to have next to your name as a team, but it’s not our driving force.

    “Our driving force is the way that we go about it and our attitude towards playing the game. And that’s what’s made us be successful, and the more successful we are obviously the more chance and the more opportunity we’ve got to be at No 1.”

    Virat Kohli scored 73 runs against England in 2nd T20I
    Virat Kohli scored 73 runs against England in 2nd T20I

    Ben stokes’ view on batting at No. 3

    In absence of Joe Root, the England all-rounder was promoted to No 3 spot from being a finisher. Stokes revealed that he’s not changing his mindset for the new role on the suggestion of designated England No 3.

    “I did actually message Root just asking about his mindset at No 3. He was pretty clear to me and just said ‘play the way that you play’. Just because he plays a certain way doesn’t mean that I need to try and play like.

    “At No 3, potentially, I would be facing 100 balls, compared to maybe 60-70 like I normally do. I haven’t looked to change too much, just might be facing a slightly different situation, especially when I’m starting off my innings.”

    While there would be comparisons with Root, Stokes would ideally prefer to follow the Test captain’s mantra.

    “There’s gonna be talk whoever is going to fill that place with Root not being here. People will keep talking but I’ll just go out and do what I’ve been asked to do.”