After England’s 106-run loss to India in the 2nd Test, captain Ben Stokes expressed dissatisfaction with a DRS decision. He deemed a ‘wrong’ DRS call against opener Zak Crawley. Despite Crawley’s commendable performance, scoring 76 and 73 in the two innings, a contentious LBW decision off Kuldeep Yadav raised eyebrows.
While acknowledging the inherent imperfections in technology, Stokes emphasised the umpire’s call mechanism. He clarified that, despite his opinion on the flawed technology, it wouldn’t serve as an excuse for the team’s undesirable result. Stokes highlighted the game’s uncertainties, stating decisions can’t be overturned once made.
Stokes disagreed with the technology, stating, “Technology in the game is there. Everyone has an understanding of the reasons it can never be 100%, which is why we have the umpire’s call. That’s why it’s in place. When it’s not 100% as everyone says, I don’t think it’s unfair for someone to say I think the technology has gotten it wrong on this occasion.”
“And that is my personal opinion. I will say that. But in a game full of ifs, buts, and maybes, I am not going to say that is the reason why we haven’t gotten the result we wanted. I’m just saying that my personal opinion is that the technology has gone wrong on this occasion, and I think that’s fair to say.
“You can’t do much with things that have been and gone. A decision has been made, and you can’t overturn a decision that has been made. That is where I stand on that,” he said.
Ben Stokes complains about his health concerns
England skipper Stokes also revealed a health concern within the squad, with players waking up feeling unwell, including Ben Foakes, Ollie Pope, and Tom Hartley. Downplaying it as a contributing factor to the defeat, Stokes acknowledged a circulating virus but asserted it wouldn’t be used as an excuse.
“A couple woke up this morning not feeling great, and when everyone had the same symptoms, you know something is going around. There’s a bit of a virus going around; it’s not an excuse for the result or anything, because it’s a game full of ifs, buts, and maybes, said Stokes.
Looking ahead, the 3rd Test is scheduled to commence on February 15th in Rajkot, providing England with an opportunity to regroup and bounce back from their recent setbacks. Before the game, the English team will establish a week-long camp in the UAE before reaching Rajkot for the game.
Here is how fans react to Ben Stokes’ comments:
Ben Stokes ?? pic.twitter.com/9v8mYnsYBr
— Ash (@Ashsay_) February 5, 2024
Year 2027
Ben Stokes said, "Technology stops my bat reaching the crease." pic.twitter.com/PTcNrOrmVa
— KKR Bhakt ?? ™ (@KKRSince2011) February 5, 2024
Here we go pic.twitter.com/Clbz1lGJvV
— Anurag Rekhi (@Dravidict) February 5, 2024
Ben Stokes in Press Conference now pic.twitter.com/loEvAgT0EG
— KKR Bhakt ?? ™ (@KKRSince2011) February 5, 2024
Enjoy English fans tears ?
— Mumbai Indians FC (@MIPaltanFamily) February 5, 2024
Not this way India plays at home. This team need to work. Except Yashasvi every Batsman struggling against inexperienced bowling and except Jasprit Bumrah struggling against England.
— Satya Prakash (@Satya_Prakash08) February 5, 2024
England is always obsessed with excuses. Just because the BazBall failed, it doesn't mean technology will.
— Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952_) February 5, 2024
Cry more Stokes ?
— Sankott (@Iamsankot) February 5, 2024
Poms have started crying ?
— Maarwadi?? (@Marwadi99) February 5, 2024
We Know Very well that England??????? are usually Start Crying? After Defeat In India??
But Luckily They have Won 1st Test Match so till Now They have Not Given any Excuses but this test match England??????? Lost By 106 Runs.
Now England??????? & England Team Supporters Making Excuses.???— Ajay Gautam (@gautam_ajay007) February 5, 2024
Jasprit Bumrah's only second player-of-the-match award in Tests and the first in five years (a period in which he has 106 wickets in 24 matches at an average of 19.40 and 7 five-fors). If that doesn't tell you bowlers are often hard done by when it comes to these awards, nothing…
— Cricket Wala (@asghar_muh88722) February 5, 2024
Run out pe bhi technology ne hi bat piche kr diya hoga
— Mahatma Gandhi (Parody) (@GandhiAOC) February 5, 2024
Ab England ka bhi Randi Rona shoro ?
— A.Hanan Khan (@hanan_khan3) February 5, 2024
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