Ben Stokes was magnanimous after the 106-run defeat by India, accepting 1-1 after two Tests was fair and insisting a virus in the England camp was not to blame. But the tourists’ captain did have one query: a belief that the Hawk-Eye was “wrong” for Zak Crawley’s pivotal dismissal.
Chasing a record 399, England were all but out of the contest when two quick wickets fell on the stroke of lunch to leave them six down, still 205 runs from the target. Among these was Crawley, lbw to Kuldeep Yadav via the decision review system, having top-scored with a crisp 73 in his side’s eventual 292 all out.
Given “not out” by the umpire Marais Erasmus on the field – because of his belief that the ball would have missed leg stump – the Hawk-Eye projection that followed Rohit Sharma’s review surprised many. Stokes was among them, even if he was keen to stress it was not the reason England missed the chance to go 2‑0 up with three to play.
Stokes said: “Technology in the game is obviously there and everyone has an understanding of the reasons it can never be 100%, which is why we have the ‘umpire’s call’. When it’s not 100%, I don’t think it’s unfair for someone to say: ‘I think the technology has got it wrong on this occasion.’ And that is my personal opinion.
“But in a game full of ifs, buts and maybes, I am not going to say that is the reason why we haven’t got the result we wanted. I’m just saying my personal opinion is that the technology has gone wrong on this occasion, and I think that’s fair to say.”
A HUGE blow for England with Zak Crowley 𝗼𝘂𝘁 for 73 🏏#INDvENG pic.twitter.com/wIyjYIkA7L
— Cricket on TNT Sports (@cricketontnt) February 5, 2024
Stokes was similarly not looking for excuses when it emerged that three members of his side – Ollie Pope, Ben Foakes and Tom Hartley – were experiencing symptoms of a virus on the day. “It’s not ideal but I’m proud that the guys didn’t shy away from anything,” he said. “They went out there and gave it the best crack they possibly could.”
In truth Stokes could not quibble with the final result because of the size of the task facing his side, one ultimately set up by Jasprit Bumrah’s six-wicket showing on day two. India’s remarkable slingshot fast bowler finished with nine for the match, having said before the series that England’s aggressive batting style would help him.
“He is an absolute champion of a bowler,” Stokes said. “I love watching very good cricketers going about their business and Jasprit Bumrah’s definitely one of those. I’m happy with how our approach was with the bat. Our approach is what we’re known for and the way we play. Regardless of the situation I want us to stay true to ourselves.”
For India’s head coach, Rahul Dravid, the victory was a “team effort” given their notable absentees in the match. Among them was Virat Kohli, currently missing for personal reasons, with Dravid declining to state whether he expects India’s talisman to return in Rajkot.
