Adaptability will be key in semis: Stokes

Virat could have four unbelievable years like he had and then have a not-soloud couple of months, and then for some reason players like that will get written off. I’ve got no idea why. think he’s earned the right to never be written off.”

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Adelaide: Perhaps Ben Stokes got a first real feel of the magnitude of England’s upcoming semifinal contest here when he was nearly mobbed by a strong Indian media contingent and bombarded with questions about Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav and even the probability of an India-Pakistan final!

“That will be big for you guys, isn’t it,” Stokes said in jest as the Indian and English media groups jostled for room by the side of the ground under a baking Adelaide sun. The rain and the cold which greeted India during the Bangladesh game was an aberration and the long, hot Australian summer has now begun in earnest.