Despite the challenging pitch in Ranchi, England captain Ben Stokes has no qualms over the quality of surfaces and praised ‘really good Test match wickets’ so for on their ongoing tour of India. The 4th Test concluded on Monday but not before England were given a sniff after India slipped from a dominant start in the chase of 192, a target they eventually succeeded in chasing but not before losing five wickets.
Also Read: India Huff and Puff to 5-wicket Win in Ranchi
The 4th Test swung wildly with England losing half their side for 112 before a century from Joe Root dragged them to 353-all out. In their reply, India were tottering at 177/7 but fighting half-centuries from Dhruv Jurel and Yashasvi Jaiswal lifted them to 307-all out.
And then England were shot out for 145, setting India a tricky target in fourth innings with the pitch predicted to deteriorate.
India openers added 84 runs in quick time before England spinners brought their team back in the contest, reducing their hosts to 120/5.
“As I said before the start of the Test, I had no idea what it (pitch) was going to do,” Stokes said after the match. “Again, I was very surprised how it kept itself together. I think the temperatures (through) the day made the wicket behave differently.”
India have thus taken a 3-1 lead in the series with a match remaining.
“I think all four wickets have been really, really good Test match wickets. We’ve seen on many occasions when players and batters get in, it’s very hard to get them out and stop them from scoring,” Stokes said.
“But you know that there’s always going to be a period where spin is going to be a massive threat. And that’s the conditions you’re used to in India. So. no complaints whatsoever about any pitches that have been produced. I think they’ve been very good wickets and again, we’ve had four games, four results, so can’t complain,” he added.
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