Young England Spinners Thrive Under Ben Stokes in India, Crediting Leadership and Team Environment
England’s young spin attack, despite limited experience, has flourished in India thanks to a supportive team environment and the leadership of Ben Stokes, according to 19-year-old Rehan Ahmed.
Ahmed, Tom Hartley (24), and Shoaib Bashir (20) have combined for 26 wickets in the first two Tests, outperforming India’s seasoned spinners on their home soil. This success, Ahmed believes, stems from a culture established by Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum.
“The environment and the leadership we have, it does make you kind of forget the players you are playing against,” Ahmed said. “They [Stokes and McCullum] just don’t care about how bad things can go. It’s always about what good you can get out of it.”
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Ahmed, with eight wickets, leads the young spin trio, followed by Hartley (14) and Bashir (4). The series sits at 1-1 with three Tests remaining, starting in Rajkot on February 15th.
Ahmed also praised Stokes’ inclusivity and understanding, highlighting a time when he and fellow Muslim teammate Bashir were given time off for Friday prayers.
“Stokes messaged me straight away and said ‘come to me whenever you want about this kind of stuff, I understand it fully,’” Ahmed said. “He’s stuck by his word. Everyone is on this tour.”
On the field, the impressive wicketkeeping of Ben Foakes has played a crucial role in supporting the young spinners.
“I have never seen anyone as good as him,” Ahmed said of Foakes. “I reckon he is the best keeper in the world, ever.”
“He trains so hard. I just don’t see him miss a ball. I can’t even explain how good he is,” added leg-spinner Ahmed.
“A couple of those catche he took 80-90 overs into the game. It’s very hot, it’s humid and he is still taking those types of catches, “Ahmed added.
With the series finely poised, England’s young spin attack, buoyed by a positive team culture and Stokes’ leadership, will look to continue their impressive showing in Rajkot.
