Ben Stokes Praises England's Epic Recovery in India

Cricket News Update

Following a remarkable 28-run triumph against India in the inaugural Test in Hyderabad, secured by the exceptional seven-wicket performance from debutant Tom Hartley, Ben Stokes expressed unequivocally that this marked England’s most outstanding performance during his two-year tenure as captain.

There was little room for dispute, considering India’s decade-long dominance at home and the formidable opposition they presented. This victory marked England’s 14th triumph out of 19 under Stokes’ captaincy, with significant contributions from Ollie Pope, who scored 196, and Hartley, who dismantled India for 202 in the fourth innings after setting a target of 231.

Ben Stokes asserted, “This is unquestionably the top victory since I assumed the role of captain.” He continued, “We’ve been part of some amazing games, experienced incredible victories. However, considering our current circumstances and the formidable opponent we were up against, especially given the situation we found ourselves in during our second innings, I believe this is our best triumph since I took on the captaincy; our most significant achievement.”

The mentioned situation was precarious, with England trailing India by 190 runs at the match’s midway point and facing the possibility of a substantial defeat when they slumped to 163 for five. Ollie Pope’s crucial role in guiding the lower order to post 420 all out by lunch on the fourth day prevented India from taking a 1-0 lead in the series.

Stokes expressed, “I’ve had the privilege of playing numerous Tests in the subcontinent alongside Joe Root and witnessed some extraordinary innings from him. However, considering the situation we were in and the exceptional shots he played, I believe that is the greatest innings ever played by an English batter in India.”

While Pope altered the course of the match, it was Hartley who brought England to victory after lunch on the fourth day. Despite facing challenges on the first evening, including Stokes persisting despite a lack of runs, and Jack Leach’s struggle with a knee injury, the 24-year-old Lancashire left-arm bowler rose to the occasion for his captain.

Stokes remarked, “It didn’t go as he wanted on day one, but I was committed to giving him that extended spell. Whether or not that played a significant role in his seven-for, I can’t say. It serves as a lesson to many that if you are expressing certain things and expecting others to believe in it, you really need to support it with your actions.”

Stokes shared, “This is my first time captaining in India. While it might not be evident, I am an avid observer of the game. I gained valuable insights from our first innings in the field, observing how the Indian spinners operated, and endeavored to apply those lessons in the second innings.

“I am absolutely delighted. It’s remarkable to see Hartley, on debut, taking nine wickets in the match, and Ollie Pope making a strong return after surgery. It has been an extraordinary effort from everyone.”

Stokes, who was making a comeback after surgery, successfully tested his left knee, which underwent the operation before Christmas. This included a crucial moment when he ran out the dangerous Ravindra Jadeja on the fourth evening, showcasing a remarkable reverse-flicked throw after a sprint and dive.

Jadeja might be uncertain for the upcoming second Test in Visakhapatnam, set to begin on Friday, as he felt discomfort in his hamstring while leaving the field. In a similar vein, Leach is expected to face challenges despite bowling through the pain caused by a haematoma in his left knee and managing to secure one breakthrough during the final stages.

As a backup, Shoaib Bashir has finally joined the team in the country. The 20-year-old Somerset spinner arrived on Sunday after experiencing prolonged visa complications.