England 2-1 Ahead, Frustration Mounts as Fourth Test Fails to Yield Result
England is currently 2-1 ahead in the five-match series against India. Frustration was seen in England players after the fourth Test also ended in a draw. The English squad had originally consented to accept a draw but continued to play a few overs, which created uncertainty.
Indian Batsmen Close to Milestones, England Brings In Part-Time Bowler
Indian batsmen Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar were almost on the brink of achieving centuries. They are said to have made an offer in respect of the situation in the game. Team India, however, did not officially accept that the match should come to a close. England then introduced part-time bowler Harry Brook. He bowled full tosses slowly, something that provoked Indian fans' backlash.
Ben Stokes Responds to Backlash During Post-Match Interview
England captain Ben Stokes spoke about the incident after the match in a presentation. Even after he explained, criticism did not stop. He explained even more during the post-match event.
Stokes Praises Indian Batting and Defends Strategy
Stokes complimented both Jadeja and Sundar on their solid performance. He recognized their partnership as responsible for turning the game around. He declared that hitting a century would have been more beneficial to the players than remaining unbeaten in the 80s or 90s. Nevertheless, he clarified that even ten additional runs would not have changed the outcome of the match. He gave credit to the pair for saving India from defeat and extending the series to the last match.
Reason Why England Utilized Harry Brook as a Bowler
Stokes clarified that England only utilized their top bowlers when they still had hopes for a possible victory. As they realized that the result was now tilted in the direction of a draw, they did not want to burden their top bowlers. When an hour was remaining and India was not agreeing to a draw, they looked toward Harry Brook. Stokes instructed Brook not to do anything unconventional or unsafe. He said that although other bowlers had ceased, the team was already fatigued from long fielding.
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