England skipper Ben Stokes asserted that the win over India in Hyderabad is his team’s greatest victory since he took over the captaincy charge. Under Stokes’ leadership and Brendon McCullum’s guidance, England have adopted a fearless brand of cricket – Bazball, which helped them achieve great success all across the globe.
Before the start of the first Test, many suggested that the Bazball wouldn’t work in the Indian conditions in front of quality spinners but England made it possible and registered a 28-run win in the first Test.
“Since I’ve taken the captaincy on, where we are and who we’re playing against, it’s 100% our greatest victory,” Stokes said in the post-match presentation.
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Stokes, who was leading in India for the first time, said that he observed how the hosts operated in the first innings and made his plans accordingly.
“My first time coming out here and being captain in these conditions. I’m a great observer, I’ve watched how India operate in the field,” he added.
Stokes also talked about the two standout performers for his team in Hyderabad – Tom Hartley (7/61) and Ollie Pope (196) in the second innings.
“Absolutely thrilled for everyone, Tom Hartley’s nine wickets, Ollie Pope’s first Test back after shoulder surgery. Tom came into the squad for the first time, he’s heard a lot and had a lot of confidence. I was willing to give him a long spell regardless of what happened in the first innings. Whether that was the reason he got seven wickets and won us the game, who knows?” he added.
Talking about Pope, Stokes said he played the greatest knock by an Englishman in subcontinent conditions.
Seen some special innings from Joe Root, but the whole innings on a difficult wicket, for me that’s the greatest innings by an Englishman on the subcontinent,” he added.
When asked whether his team fears failure, Stokes suggested there isn’t any fear, as the philosophy in the team is to express themselves and everything will work out.
“If you lose, you wake up in the morning, still have a good crack and life and move on. We don’t fear failure. Go out and express yourself and you’ll be all right” he said.
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