What Ben Stokes Said After England's Shambolic Defeat In IND vs ENG Rajkot Test
England captain Ben Stokes remains optimistic about his team's prospects in IND vs ENG Test series.
England captain Ben Stokes expressed confidence in his team's ability to bounce back and make a solid comeback in the ongoing IND vs ENG five-match Test series. Despite suffering a humiliating 434-run defeat at the hands of Rohit Sharma-led India in IND vs ENG 3rd Test at Rajkot's Niranjan Shah Stadium on Sunday, February 18, captain Stokes remains optimistic about England's prospects in the series. India, after securing their largest-ever victory in Tests, now leads IND vs ENG Test series 2-1.
Ben Stokes-led England made a promising start to IND vs ENG Test series with a 28-run victory over the hosts in the series opener in Hyderabad. However, the visitors faced setbacks in Visakhapatnam and Rajkot in subsequent matches.
In IND vs ENG 3rd Test in Rajkot, England faced a daunting task of chasing down a massive target of 557 runs. Unfortunately, they were bowled out for just 122 runs in 39.4 overs, resulting in a record victory for India.
We have a chance to win 3-2, says Stokes
"Everyone has an opinion or a perception of things, but the people in the dressing room really matter to us. We know things don't always work out exactly how you want them to. We are 2-1 down and have a chance to win 3-2.
"We will leave this game behind us. We have to win the next two to win the series and that's what we will be trying to do," Stokes said in the post-match presentation ceremony.
Despite Ben Duckett's impressive innings of 153 runs off 151 balls in the first innings, England conceded a lead of 126 runs after experiencing a batting collapse on Day 3. Stokes praised Duckett for his remarkable performance amidst the team's overall struggle.
"Ben Duckett played an unbelievable first innings and that was the tone we wanted to set through the whole innings. It was about identifying the opportunity to push the scoreboard on and get as close to India's total as possible," Stokes said.
"I wanted to be bowling at some point yesterday, although it came earlier than we initially wanted. We wanted to push the game on," he added.
The 4th Test of the five-match IND vs ENG Test series begins from February 23rd onwards at Ranchi's JSCA International Stadium Complex.
Top Headlines
