IND vs ENG: ‘The way we knocked over … ‘ — England captain Ben Stokes reveals reason behind Headingley win | Cricket News – Times of India

Ben Stokes (Images credit score: Sahil Malhotra/TimesofIndia.com)

NEW DELHI: England produced a brilliantly paced run chase to gun down a large 371-run goal and defeat India by 5 wickets within the sequence-opening Headingley Test on Tuesday — with 14 overs to spare. The hosts pulled off the tenth highest profitable run chase in Test historical past with scientific execution and unwavering confidence, even on a fifth-day pitch that originally appeared to favour India’s bowlers, notably within the morning and afternoon classes.A commanding 188-run opening stand between Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley laid the muse, wiping out greater than half of the required runs. The last flourish got here in model, as Jamie Smith sealed the win with a towering knee-down six over lengthy-on.Reflecting on the efficiency, England captain Ben Stokes credited his aspect’s relentless depth and the essential function of the bowlers in cleansing up India’s decrease order.“It was all about our attitude and commitment, day in and day out. That’s what we focussed on. Both teams played quality cricket — a great way to start the series,” Stokes stated on the submit-match press convention.“It was a very good wicket for batting. The way we knocked over the Indian tail was a big reason why we were able to chase down this score,” he added.After a wicketless morning session, it was Prasidh Krishna and Shardul Thakur who unexpectedly offered India with breakthroughs within the afternoon. When Ravindra Jadeja dismissed Stokes after tea with 69 runs nonetheless wanted, the stress briefly returned.However, Joe Root (53*) and Jamie Smith (44*) calmly guided England dwelling, not permitting India even a glimmer of hope within the last stretch.With the win, England take a 1-0 lead within the 5-match sequence. The second Test might be performed at Edgbaston in Birmingham, beginning July 2.“We’re 1-0 up, but there are four more games. We’ll celebrate and then quickly shift focus to Birmingham,” Stokes stated.

The chase started underneath overcast skies with England resuming on 21/0, nonetheless needing 350 runs — a frightening activity by any measure. But England as soon as once more proved their chasing prowess underneath the steerage of coach Brendon ‘Baz’ McCullum, notching their twelfth profitable pursuit in 18 makes an attempt throughout his tenure.This wasn’t the same old excessive-threat “Bazball” spectacle — it was a extra measured and mature model of it. With a required run charge just below 4 per over, England managed the tempo well and stayed inside that charge all through.The contest additionally etched itself into the historical past books as solely the third Test ever the place all 4 innings crossed the 350-run mark. India posted 471 and 364, whereas England responded with 465 and 373/5 — an exhilarating 5-day battle that entertained from begin to end.