England captain Ben Stokes remains undeterred by recent criticism surrounding the team’s ‘Bazball’ approach as they gear up for the fourth Test against India. The strategy faced backlash, especially after the team’s massive defeat in Rajkot. Critics, including former players, questioned the players’ decisions to adopt unconventional shots and urged them to play according to the situation.
Ben Stokes, however, took the criticism in stride, acknowledging that scrutiny comes with the territory in sports. “No, it’s sport, innit. You get plaudits when it goes well and a bit of s**t when it doesn’t. It’s part of it. I’ve been around long enough to know that, but we crack on,” he remarked.
Throughout England’s tour of India, the team deliberately refrained from complaining about pitches, recognizing India’s prerogative in curating surfaces. Despite a conscious effort, the series has seen diverse pitches, with England winning the first match and India bouncing back with two consecutive victories.
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As the teams head to Ranchi for the fourth Test, the pitch presents a unique challenge. Described by Ben Stokes as “very dark and crumbly,” the surface has intrigued players. It features cracks and plates that may shift under pressure, adding an extra layer of uncertainty.
Ben Stokes expressed his uncertainty about the peculiar pitch, stating, “I don’t know, I’ve never seen something like that before, so I have got no idea. I don’t know what could happen. If you looked down one side of opposite ends it just looked different to what I am used to seeing, especially out in India. It looked green and grassy up in the changing rooms, but then you go out there, it looked different.”
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Despite the challenges posed by the pitch and the recent criticisms, England remains committed to their Bazball mentality. Stokes emphasized their belief in the team’s ability to succeed, regardless of the playing conditions. As they prepare for the upcoming Test, the English side aims to stay true to their approach and bounce back in the series.
