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'This Win Stands First' - Ben Stokes Hails Win Over IND As The Best Under His Captaincy

image-lrxijj35Ben Stokes celebrating wicket | Source: X.com

Team India didn't have the best kickoff to the five-match Test series against England, having lost the opener by 28 runs at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad. Despite their early dominance lasting almost 2 days, this loss serves as a reality check for the hosts.

Rohit Sharma & Co. couldn't crack the code of debutant Tom Hartley's spin bowling, as he spun a web around the Indian lineup following his lackluster performance in the first innings. Hartley bagged seven wickets in the second innings to wrap up the hosts. 

With a target of 231 runs to chase in the final innings, none of the Indian batters opted for a counter-attack on the English bowling lineup. Instead, they seemed more inclined towards a defensive approach, finding themselves pushed to the back foot. 

Meanwhile, England captain Ben Stokes, the mastermind behind their new Bazball strategy, stated in the post-match conference that this test victory over India is his best since taking over the captaincy of the England test team. 

Here’s what he said in the post-match conference:

“I think since taking the captaincy on, we have had great moments and great victories. But the way we have been playing, this win stands first right up there.”

Ben Stokes further lauded the debutant hero, Tom Hartley and Ollie Pope, for their impact in England's win. Despite a rough start for Hartley in the first innings, he bounced back with a vengeance, bagging seven wickets in the second innings. 

“Look, obviously, Tom came into the squad for the first time. He has heard a lot of languages spoken. We are on a long tour and you will be here for a longer period. I was willing to give him confidence by bowling him more. He delivered by picking up seven wickets and winning the game.”

Greatest Knock By An English Batter in India: Ben Stokes on Ollie Pope

image-lrxij3d7Ollie Pope | Source: X.com

Ollie Pope, who scored 196 runs from 278 balls with the help of 21 boundaries, played a key role in helping England post a mammoth total of 420 runs in the second innings. Thanks to his ‘extraordinary’ knock, the visitors managed to give hosts a target of 231 runs. 

Here’s what Ben Stokes said on Pope’s performance:

"I have been lucky enough to play a lot of Test matches with Joe Root in subcontinent conditions. But Pope coming in at three and the strokes he played, those sweeps, reverse-sweeps, I feel this is the greatest knock by an English batter in India.” 

Ben Stokes signed off by making it clear that he doesn't fear failures. Honestly, he has lived by this since taking on the captaincy of the England team, never avoiding critics and consistently standing firm on his statements.