Former England pacer Stuart Broad has backed talismanic all-rounder Ben Stokes' decision to opt out of this year's T20 World Cup due to fitness reasons.

"He's (Stokes) a freak. It was almost written in the stars that he was going to bowl a jaffa first up and get Rohit Sharma out who was on 100. We all know how we can round our attack out, especially in conditions like these where you've usually got two spinners, two-seamers, and then you want your third in Stokesy."

India maintained their envious record at home by sealing the series in Ranchi and now, they will be looking for another favourable result to extend their lead in World Test Championships standings.

India registered a five-wicket win in the fourth and penultimate Test to take an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series against England, who suffered their first Test series defeat under the leadership of captain Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum.

Due to issues with his knee, Stokes has been playing only as a batter since the second Ashes Test last June. However, he was seen bowling extensively at the nets on the eve of the fourth Test.

Ahead of the Rajkot Test, Stokes had said he “pinky promised” his physiotherapist he won’t be bowling in the ongoing series.

Stokes will become the 16th England player to appear in 100 Tests when he will lead the side out in the third Test against India here on Thursday. In the pre-match press conference, the dashing big-hitter tried his best to downplay the hype around his achievement.

Stokes, who has carved a niche for himself by playing some of the most outstanding knocks in the history of the sport in high-pressure situations, has also produced a fine example of himself as a leader by inventing a new approach to Test cricket known as 'Bazball'.

The match is the opening test in a long awaited five-match series between the two nations.

Kumble emphasised the inexperience in England's bowling lineup, especially with young spinners like Hartley and Ahmed facing the daunting task of building pressure on India's formidable batting lineup.