Stokes hits back at Harmison after his furious rant ahead of India series

28 December 2023 , 09:44

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Stokes hits back at Harmison after his furious rant ahead of India series

Ben Stokes has hit back after Steve Harmison criticised the England team's preparation ahead of their trip to India.

Brendon McCullum will take his side to one of cricket's most challenging environments, aiming to lead England to a Test series win in India for only the second time in their history. Harmison commented on England's late arrival in Asia, claiming they "deserve to get beat 5-0".

Stokes though has responded and highlighted how, before they head to India, the squad is heading to the Middle East to begin their preparation. They will then have several days in India before the first test in Hyderabad.

Harmison began by saying on talkSPORT: “If England go in 3 days before, they deserve to get beat 5-0. They really do. I'm an old man, that is what they are going to say, the times have changed, the game has changed, but I tell you, preparation has not changed. You can't go into India underprepared.

"In fact, you cannot go India over-prepared as well, you can be in India for six weeks before and still not be prepared for that first Test."

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Harmison also added: “I would love to know what Pietersen, Strauss, Cook, in that great side, the only side that has won there in 2012, what they would think when they hear that England will go to India like three days before the series. I think they would laugh at you."

Stokes though quoted him on Twitter and responded: "Good job we’re going to Abu Dhabi for a training camp before we go to India for even more training before that 1st test then isn’t it."

Ben Stokes has backed the preparation put in place for England's series in India (Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

England's five-match Test series starts on 25th January 2024, with Tests taking place at at Hyderabad, Vizag, Rajkot, Ranchi, and Dharamsala, ending in mid-March. Stokes and co head to India having struggled to cope during the recent World Cup that was held there.

England only won three of their six matches, suffering some notable defeats. In the Test arena their last outing was the victory over Australia at the Oval which ensured an Ashes draw. Their last Test outside of England was a narrow defeat in New Zealand, but their Kiwi coach is relishing the challenge ahead.

McCullum said: “I am excited about it because you want to test yourself against the best side and I genuinely believe that India is the best in their own condition. It is going to be a good challenge for us. If we have success then fabulous, if we don’t then I know we will go down in the style that we want to go down.”

Samuel Meade