After South Africa Tour, the subsequent main problem for India would be the Test sequence towards England at house. The five-Test sequence begins on January 25, whereas the ultimate Test shall be performed in March. England could be eager to show their fortunes round in 2024 as final time they misplaced 3-1 on Indian soil. Ahead of the sequence, former England pacer Harmison who can be an in depth pal of Stokes questioned England arriving in India simply three days earlier than the five-match Test sequence.

He felt that the shortage of acclimation may grow to be a recipe for catastrophe. He additionally went on to assert that England may go on to “deserve to get beaten 5-0”.

“If England go in three days before, they deserve to get beaten 5-0, they really do. I’m an old man. And that’s what they’re going to say: ‘Times have changed, the game has changed.’ But I tell you what, preparation hasn’t changed,” Steve Harmison stated in a video which has gone viral.

“You cannot go into India underprepared. You cannot go into India over-prepared. You could be in India six weeks before and still not be prepared for that first Test and the emotion of that. You talk about (Kevin) Pietersen, and you talk about (Andrew) Strauss and (Alastair) Cook in that great side. The only side to have won there. What would they have said if you told them that you are going to India three days before.

“To be sincere, I like this new method. I like Ben Stokes, the Brendon McCullum method, clearly Rob Key, and every thing that they’ve executed, ECB have executed. But I’m sorry, moving into three days earlier than [the India series]. You would by no means do this for an Ashes Test sequence.”

Good job we’re going to Abu Dhabi for a training camp before we go to India for even more training before that 1st test then isn’t it. https://t.co/2Q0qCOEbFO

— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) December 28, 2023

“Good job we will Abu Dhabi for a coaching camp earlier than we go to India for much more coaching earlier than that 1st check then is not it,” Ben Stokes replies on the post.

Meanwhile, Stokes is in a race against time to get fit for the series. The experienced all-rounder had recently come out of ODI retirement to participate in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, where he played as a specialist batter. His issues with his knee have prevented him from playing his role as an all-rounder effectively as he has rarely bowled as of late.

He went for knee surgery after the World Cup which was successful and now it is time for him to undergo rehabilitation.

With ANI inputs