We’ll be coming out with the same mindset, Ben Stokes says about Test against India

Leeds, June 28

Relentless in their 3-0 sweep against New Zealand, England captain Ben Stokes said there would be no let-up in intensity against India in the upcoming rescheduled fifth Test.

Under the leadership of Stokes and new coach Brendon McCullum, England recorded a phenomenal 3-0 win in the Test series against reigning WTC champions New Zealand, capping it off with a seven-wicket victory in the third and final match at Headingley.

The one-off Test against India, a part of last year’s five-match series, which was abandoned due to a covid-19 outbreak, will begin at Edgbaston on Friday.

“Trust me when I say this. We’ll be coming out with exactly the same (aggressive) mindset, even though it’s a different opposition,” Stokes said on Monday.

“Obviously, it’s going to be a completely different…different opposition, with their attack and players as well. We’ll be concentrating on what we’ve done well over these last three games and look to continue that against India on Friday,” said Stokes.

The visitors are leading the five-match series 2-1 but will face a revitalised England, which feature only four members — Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Johnny Bairstow and James Anderson — from last year’s fourth Test against the Indians.

Stokes himself was not available for the series last year as he had taken a break to focus on his mental health.

Stokes took over the captaincy after Root relinquished the position following England’s 0-1 series defeat to the West Indies in April.

England endured a tough time in the last few months, winning just once in 17 Tests before the New Zealand series.