'Weren’t Able To Match..,' Ben Stokes Disappointed After Losing Test Series Against Pakistan

Rajgeeta∙ Updated: Oct 26 2024, 7:15 PM | 3 Min Read

Ben Stokes after England's 152-run loss to Pakistan in the second Test [Source: @cricbuzz/X.com]

On October 26, Pakistan achieved a remarkable victory over England in a series decider, clinching a 2-1 win. England fell apart on the third day of the final Test in Rawalpindi, losing by nine wickets. Despite winning the first Test decisively, England struggled in the next two matches, especially against Pakistan’s spinners Sajid Khan and Noman Ali. After a strong start, scoring 823 runs for just seven wickets in the first Test, England then collapsed, losing 40 wickets for 814 runs across the last two games.

England captain Ben Stokes expressed disappointment after the defeat. He admitted that England couldn’t rise to the challenge in the final two Tests, giving credit to Pakistan’s performance. Looking ahead, Stokes said they’ll focus on improving and tackling similar challenges in future games, especially as they prepare for their next series against New Zealand. 

"Disappointing, losing games and losing series’. We weren’t able to match the challenges in the last two games, credit to Pakistan. Moving forward, we’ll look to match those challenges as we come up against them. Couple of weeks time, we’ll be up against New Zealand. The summer finished late, the lads worked really hard but when you get out there in the middle it’s all really different. All you can do is work hard," said Stokes.

Stokes also found some positives from the series, pointing out individual performances and memorable moments. 

"Whether you do well or not, you always try and take the positives out. Regardless of the result, there have been some unbelievable individual performances so certainly a lot to take out. You take that aspect and that look on it, Rehan and Bashir coming here to play cricket in front of family, it's something massive for them. They’re two incredible cricketers who’re just starting their career so it's massive for them," Stokes added.

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Noman Ali And Sajid Khan Help Pakistan To Seal The Series

The third Test saw a stellar performance from Pakistani spinners Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, who took all 10 English wickets and bowled out England for 112 runs in the second innings. Pakistan chased a modest target of 36, with captain Shan Masood scoring an unbeaten 23 to secure their first home series win in three years. 

Noman finished with figures of 6-42, and Sajid with 4-69. This victory came after England’s innings win in the first Test and Pakistan’s strong comeback in the second, setting up an exciting finale that ultimately saw Pakistan emerge victorious.

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