STOKES THE FIRE

Ben's burning desire ignites Baz belief

- RORY DOLLARD

BRENDON MCCULLUM has credited the inspirational leadership and "total conviction" of Ben Stokes for giving England a fighting chance of leaving India with a series win.

The score is tied at 1-1 after two gripping Tests in Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam, giving England a realistic shot at becoming the first side to win away on Indian soil since 2012.

Head coach McCullum will take his side to Abu Dhabi today for a short break before the contest resumes on Thursday week for the third Test in Rajkot.

A crucial part of England's performances so far has been the contribution of three novice spinners in the shape of Rehan Ahmed, Tom Hartley and Shoaib Bashir, who have defied their lack of experience to claim 26 wickets between them.

And McCullum, known as Baz, was glowing about Stokes' ability to instil belief in the group.