'I told ya I'd make a bowler out of ya' - Ben Stokes keeps his promise as Joe Root leapfrogs England captain in all-rounder rankings after fine spell vs India

Joe Root has been a standout performer in the longest format of the game in recent years. His contributions in both departments make him a vital asset to the English team. The 10th highest run scorer in Test history with over 11000 runs, Root's bowling was often overshadowed. However, in the first Test of the five-match series against India, it was his bowling that garnered more attention than his batting prowess.

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The former England captain was  England's best bowler in the first innings with figures of 4/79. He also took the big wicket of wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul in the final innings, helping his team clinch a historic 28-run victory in Hyderabad. Root's impressive performance saw him replace Stokes as the world's number four Test all-rounder in the latest rankings. 

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the second Test in Visakhapatnam on Friday (February 2), Stokes praised Root for his contributions with the ball and his value to the team.

"To also have the benefit of Joe's bowling out here is obviously massive. I'm surprised he's not actually mentioned he's nipped above me, but I think we're just two people who don't really care about stuff like that. He's a great batsman but when his bowling comes into consideration as well, it's a huge bonus having him out here," said Stokes.

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I thought he underbowled himself as captain: Stokes

Notably, Root has been excellent as a spinner for England on the last two tours of India. The off-spinner had picked his career-best 5/8 in the Ahmedabad Test. Meanwhile, Stokes revealed that he had told his predecessor Root that he will make a bowler out of him.

"I did always say to Joe I thought he underbowled himself as captain, and when he walked off with four-fer I did say to him, 'see, I told ya I'd make a bowler out of ya'. Having someone like that out here who is not only someone to throw the ball to and change the pace of the game up - he's bowled me lots of overs, Joe has - then having him batting at four and the runs he's scored and how important he is to us," added Stokes.