‘We’ll make that call as late as we need to’ - Brendon McCullum optimistic for Ben Stokes’ return from injury ahead of India Tests

England is all set to take on India in a five-game Test series that is scheduled to begin from January 25. Both sides will face each other in the first Test at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad. England, ahead of the first Test, are yet to make a call regarding skipper Ben Stokes' availability.

The 32-year-old underwent knee surgery in November 2023 to manage a chronic problem. Furthermore, he has not bowled since July 2023, and with the surgery, his participation in the first Test seemed to be in danger. However, head coach Brendon McCullum came forward to shed more light on the topic.

Thinking that Stokes looked like a greyhound, he revealed that he should be good to go for the first test. However, the side wants to make the call for his participation as late as possible. Moreover, the former New Zealand skipper revealed that the team is no hurry at all to make a call regarding the English skipper's match readiness ahead of the Hyderabad Test, and that they can be as late as they could to take a decision about it.

“He looks like a greyhound. He’s put the work in, everyone knows his work ethic is phenomenal. I’ve seen him running around and I think he’s good to go. We’ll obviously make that call as late as what we need to. But he’s put all the work in, and we’ll just have to wait and see,” McCullum was quoted as saying by BBC.

Our thoughts are with Harry and his family: McCullum

Furthermore, Brendon McCullum also talked of Harry Brook after the star batter pulled out of the India series, citing personal reasons. The England coach was of the opinion that family comes first, and the entire team understands that very well.

“Obviously our thoughts are with Harry and his family, it's a tough time, It's a privileged position to play cricket for a living, but some things are more important than that,” McCullum said.

“We wish him all the best and hopefully the next little period for Brooky (Brook) is as comfortable as it possibly can be. There's a chance he may return later in the tour, but for now we just want him to be with his family and do his thing,” the head coach added.

The hosts India, on the other hand, also have been handed a big blow after Virat Kohli announced his unavailability for the first Two Tests, again, citing personal reasons. The BCCI is yet to make a call regarding the New Delhi-born's replacement, with the Hyderabad Test only a few hours from its commencement.