New Delhi: 

Ben Stokes is keen to make a splash as an all-rounder when England host India for a five-match Test series from June 20. The England skipper has been bogged down by injuries in recent times but is set to return to action in their one-off Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge next week.

England’s summer schedule begins in Nottingham against Zimbabwe, followed by the five-match series against India that begins in Leeds, with matches scheduled in Birmingham, London (Lord’s), Manchester, and London (The Oval).

Stokes said he has discussed his workload management with head coach Brendon McCullum and plans on how to remain fit throughout the summer.

“I’m 33-I don’t want to expose myself to situations where I’m off the field when I don’t need to be,” Stokes said.

“I talk to Baz a lot about these things. We’ve spoken about how he can help me better manage that balance. We’ve worked together for so long, we know each other inside out, and those discussions have been really constructive.”

“But in terms of my role as a player, that full seamer, batting at six, trying to dominate every situation I find myself, whether I’ve got a bat or ball in my hand, is what I want to get back doing out on the field, on the biggest stage. I know I’ve done it before, it’s something I’ve very confident in myself I can do.

“I always work hard. My ethos when I’m injured is I come back fitter than I was before I got injured. I’ve worked incredibly hard on all aspects of everything, from my cricket to fitness, and know I’m going to be in a position when I am back on the field to potentially be in physically the best possible shape I have been in,” he added.

It is expected to be a good tune-up for Stokes’ knee and hamstring, which was given away often and limited his contribution on the pitch. The 33-year-old has been on the sidelines since tearing his hamstring during England’s tour of New Zealand in December of last year.

Earlier he had often rushed his return only to go back to the mending table but this time Stokes has been extra mindful of making a full recovery before taking the rigours of international cricket.

“I’ve worked incredibly hard on all aspects of everything, from my cricket to fitness, and know I’m going to be in a position when I am back on the field to potentially be in physically the best possible shape I have been in,” Stokes told Sky Sports.

Despite multiple injuries, Stokes in keen to fulfill the all-rounders’ role that had carried out with aplomb before injuries scuppered up his career.

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