England head coach Brendon McCullum is hopeful about skipper Ben Stokes playing the opening Test match against India from January 25 but confirms the decision will be taken at the last moment.

Stokes underwent surgery on his left knee in the last week of November to manage a chronic problem, which was widely reported to be patellar tendonitis. It restricted his bowling workload since 2022, and he has not bowled in professional cricket since July 1 last year. Stokes played in the 2023 World Cup after reversing his retirement in the format as a specialist batter. He did not bowl during the training camp England had in Abu Dhabi last week before they travelled to India.

Before the surgery, Stokes had said he “should be fine” for the Hyderabad Test against India but McCullum is yet to confirm his participation.

Speaking to reporters after a training session today (January 22), McCullum said: “He looks like a greyhound. He’s put the work in, everyone knows his work ethic is phenomenal.

“I’ve seen him running around and I think he’s good to go. We’ll obviously make that call as late as what we need to. But he’s put all the work in, and we’ll just have to wait and see.”

Even if Stokes is cleared to play the first Test, it is unlikely that he will bowl, playing only as a middle-order batter. Ollie Pope is expected to lead England for the game if Stokes fails to participate.

England are already without Harry Brook for the first few Tests after the youngster pulled out due to personal reasons, and was replaced by Dan Lawrence in the squad for the interim period.

Subscribe to the Wisden Cricket YouTube channel for post-match analysis, player interviews, and much more.