Stokes Stresses Importance of Downtime and Recovery

Ben Stokes, England captain, has emphasized the significance of downtime and recovery for his team, particularly the bowlers, ahead of the second Test against India at Edgbaston. The team has enjoyed a seven-day break following the grueling first Test in Leeds, which Stokes believes has been crucial in recharging the players' batteries.

"I think the time off in between games is so, so important. That's where you recharge for it, where you get yourself back into a position to deal with pressure again," Stokes said. "We've had training on Sunday scheduled, but because we bowled so much and spent so much time in the field, we felt that extra day off was the most important thing to make sure that when we turn up on Wednesday we're not too overcooked again."

Stokes also spoke about his own fitness, saying he felt better now than he did after the first Test, thanks to the break. "I feel better now than I did on Thursday and Friday. Yeah, I think everyone was very tired that week. I used the three days after that game to offer absolutely nothing to the world. I was a shadow of myself, but it goes to show how much a five-day Test match takes out of you."

The Return of Jofra Archer

Although Jofra Archer is not part of the playing eleven for the second Test, Stokes expressed hope that the pacer will be part of the playing group soon. "It's been a long time since Joff's been in a Test environment. He's been playing a lot of white-ball cricket over the last couple of years. So, to have him back with us here after such a long time is, first and foremost, great for him. Great for the team."

Stokes Heaps Praise on Pant

Stokes also praised Rishabh Pant's game, saying he enjoyed watching the left-handed wicketkeeper-batter bat. "I absolutely love watching Rishabh play cricket. I love the way he takes it on. He's come under (pressure), he's got a bit of stick in his time, but that type of talent, when you let that type of talent be free, that's what can happen (as we saw) in the last week."