'England stocks rely on skipper Stokes’ fitness': Former captain Gower

England skipper Ben Stokes during a practice session in Hyderabad yesterday. Pic/AFP

Former England captain David Gower, one of the few captains to lead his side to a Test series victory in India, believes the fitness of skipper Ben Stokes will be key to his team's fortunes in the upcoming five-match series.

Stokes, who is on his third Test tour of India but the first as captain, underwent knee surgery immediately after the ODI World Cup in November.

Gower, 66, a former left-handed batsman, told this reporter recently that the series "will be a big test for England". He said: "There are several factors that will impact England in India. First of all, Ben Stokes has to make sure he is fit. He needs to be as fit as he can for the tour of India. He is a very good captain, he is an inspiring leader. England have played great cricket in the last couple of years under his leadership."

David Gower

Stokes has not played a competitive match since England's last ODI World Cup league-stage clash against Pakistan in Kolkata on November 11.

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And Gower felt that England's dismal performance in the 50-over showpiece event could have its implications on the Test series. "The World Cup experience is damaging. You cannot avoid it. Ben, as the Test captain, will have to make it clear to his team that the World Cup was a blip and that they must back themselves to continue to play the positive cricket that has brought them much success over the last two years," said Gower, who played 117 Tests.

Gower led England to a 2-1 Test series win in India in 1984-85, the same margin by which another left-handed batsman and captain Alastair Cook succeeded on the 2012-13 tour. In fact, Cook's England winning 2-1 was the last time an Indian team lost a Test series on home soil. Since then, India have won 16 consecutive Test series.

Gower added that the Englishmen will have to adapt to the pitch conditions in India. "It [England's performance] depends on what India decides to do with the pitches. If they are turning square from Ball One, as has happened, then with the style of cricket that England play, it will have to adapt to that particular challenge. But, let's face it, England, as we have seen in this World Cup, have a very strong batting and seam bowling line-up along with excellent spinners. So, they cover every base. India have a very good all-round strength that will make them favourites at home. This England side will have to adapt very quickly and put behind any knock on the face, any legacy of the World Cup, as soon as they possibly can."