Broad delighted with 'raw' Stokes recall

England

England fast bowler Stuart Broad is delighted to have all-rounder Ben Stokes back in the England Test squad, after he was named in the group to take on India in the upcoming five-match series.

England fast bowler Stuart Broad is delighted to have all-rounder Ben Stokes back in the England Test squad, after he was named in the group to take on India in the upcoming five-match series.

Stokes had missed most of the year after breaking his wrist in the Caribbean, punching a dressing room locker after being dismissed. He has been playing for Durham this season, and did not feature against Sri Lanka as he was not bowling-fit.

Broad said at the squad announcement on Wednesday: "We know the quality Stokes has got. He's a raw talent but he is a player you want to play with and not against.

"He can get in players' faces and he has already got a test match hundred and test match 'six for' at Sydney.

"He is obviously a very talented guy. He was not in the Sri Lanka test match squad in order to get more overs."

The veteran paceman said England needed a player of Stokes' ambition, after he was by far their best performer in the Ashes in Australia, and the only England player to score a century on that tour.

Broad added: "He was 21, 22 and standing up to (Australia's) Brad Haddin in the toughest series he could have possibly played in and he came out as a shining light.

"He is the sort of player who can really get in the Indians faces."

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