 "Ben Stokes praised England players for mixing caution with aggression as they defeated India at Headingley. Image: Reuters")
England captain Ben Stokes lauded his teammates for showing grit in tough situations and then capitalising on the right moments to win the first Test against India at Headingley from an almost losing position. England were handed a mammoth 371-run target after India dominated the first four days of the Test match in Leeds, but England eventually crossed the finishing line, scoring at a quick run rate of 4.54.
While the scoring rate perfectly aligns with the ‘Bazball’ philosophy, popularised by coach Brendon McCullum and captain Stokes, England batters were quite wary during opening sessions of play. Ben Duckett, who hit a hundred, Zak Crawley (65), Joe Root (53*), Stokes (33) and Jamie Smith (44*) were all cautious in their approach during tough situations before breaking free.
Stokes lauds England teammates for showing caution
Stokes spoke about reinventing the ‘Bazball’ philosophy after the Headingley Test and how it helped them secure a win.
“Everyone who went out there and got runs read the situation,” Stokes told reporters after England’s win. “We chose our moments to actually put pressure back on them. We could see, in moments where the game could swing, that we needed to assess and hold off on that pressure.
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“Winning any Test match is a lot of hard work, but to start a series off with a victory in the way that we’ve done it here, is very satisfying.”
Stokes also praised the opening duo of Duckett and Crawley, who put up 188 runs for the first wicket in a tall chase.
“The pressure of a fourth innings and going out there is tough, especially in England. That partnership between Zak (Crawley) and Ben (Duckett) was incredible to get us going.
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“To get that down to set us off in a run-chase was incredible. They complement each other really well. Thought Zak stayed very calm. Duckett as well, really good. Zak’s 60-odd was very important as well. Chasing down totals gives this team a lot of confidence,” he said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
“Very much looking forward to the next four,” Stokes concluded.