New Delhi: After a loss by just one run against New Zealand, in a Test match that will be remembered for ages, England captain Ben Stokes felt blessed to be a part of such an ‘incredible’ game. Post-match, he stated that ending up on the losing side was disappointing but people enjoying the game was the more significant thing for him.
After the match, Stokes said that the game going into the last day and that situation in the last hour is all that a fan wishes for. He added that even though they came out on the ‘wrong side’, but he feels blessed that they managed to be a part of this ‘incredible game’.
He said that losing was disappointing but in the bigger picture, everyone enjoyed what they witnessed. About giving follow on, Stokes said, “Imagine captaining in hindsight?” and giving the logic behind the decision he added that their opening bowlers ‘ripped through’ New Zealand’ top-order in the last three innings the hosts had to play the ‘perfect game’ to win. He added that the team has been chasing 250-odd runs in the past and he does not regret the decision to give a follow-on.
About his knee, he said that he is not planning to miss IPL but would hope to recover by Ashes so that he can play the role of the fourth-seamer.
England’s coach and ex-New Zealand batter, Brendon McCullum, said that Neil Wagner is one of the ‘toughest’ bowlers he came across.
In the game, Wagner picked four wickets which eventually led New Zealand to the historic win. After getting a follow-on, the Blackcaps posted a mammoth 483 as captain Kane Williamson scored 132 along with 90 from Tom Blundell and a quick fifty from Daryl Mitchell.
