'Have Never Seen Something Like That Before': Ben Stokes' Massive Claim On Ranchi Pitch

Ben Stokes was not sure how the wicket would behave in the IND vs ENG 4th Test match in Ranchi

England captain Ben Stokes during a nets session at JSCA International Stadium Complex on February 21, 2024 in Ranchi, India.

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England captain Ben Stokes was not quite sure how the wicket would behave in the fourth Test of their five-match series against India set to commence in Ranchi on February 23. He reckoned that the wicket looked deceptive and that it could prove to be a challenging one for both the batting and the bowling sides. The all-rounder who could come in to bowl in the remainder of the series after playing as a specialist batter for the first three Test matches said that while the wicket appeared grassy, it had cracks on it.

"I've never seen something like that before. I have got no idea so I don't know what could happen. If you looked down one side of opposite ends it just looked different to what I am used to seeing, especially out in India. It looked green and grassy up in the changing rooms, but then you go out there it looked different: very dark and crumbly and quite a few cracks in it," Stokes told BBC Sport in a recent interview.

If It Spins From Ball One, It Would Be An Even Playing Field: Ollie Pope Before IND vs ENG 4th Test

Notably, England are 1-2 down in the five-match series heading into the fourth match which makes this a must-win affair for the visitors to keep the series alive. However, England believe that even if the Ranchi surface appears to be a rank-turner, they would be in with a chance as it would make it a level-playing field. England's vice-captain Ollie Pope echoed the same thoughts in a media interaction ahead of the match.

"If it does spin from ball one, it takes the toss out of the equation, then it's an even playing field," Pope said in a pre-match press conference.

Pope added that while batting first does not necessarily have an impact on the result of the match, it does hand a slight advantage to the team that bats first.