Ben Stokes Opines on dismissal of Zak Crawley as India beat England by 106 runs to level the series 1-1
Ben Stokes said the dismissal of Zak Crawley was due to a technological error. He acknowledges it might not have definitely affected the game’s outcome, but it was undoubtedly a pivotal moment given the tight contest.
Some criticize Stokes, suggesting he’s using an off-field excuse. However, he clarified in his interview that justifying a potential shift in the match’s course wasn’t his intent. It was simply his honest reaction as England’s captain.
If the incident involved Stokes himself, he likely wouldn’t speak up. As a leader, he’s known for championing his teammates, so speaking for them was a natural reaction, not a choice.
During the post-match talk, Stokes said, “In a game full of ifs, buts and maybes. I’m not going to say that is the reason why we didn’t get 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.”
His statement shows no exaggeration or frustration. He accepts it as part of the game, acknowledging past instances where England might have benefited from DRS.
To the naked eye, the ball seemed to have pitched outside leg, but it didn’t. Crawley’s backfoot position near the stumps meant the ball would have hit the stumps.
READ MORE
- Crawley is good but England needs more from Root, Bairstow
- India Beats England, Reaction of Both Teams’ Captains
- Ex- England Cricketer Lambasts Rohit Sharma for Captaincy
- IND vs ENG: Jasprit Bumrah can be rested for third Test
Commentators initially thought it might clip the leg stump at best, but it actually hit in line with three reds. This was surprising for the batting team, but India were energized, recognizing the importance of that wicket.
Technology is a double-edged sword. Teams utilize it extensively for analysis, stats, and matchup strategies. However, it can sometimes work against them in unexpected ways.
India defeated England by 106 runs in the second Test played at Visakhapatnam. England, needing 399 runs to win, was bowled out for 292 in their second innings. Zak Crawley top-scored with 73, but India’s determined attack denied England a record chase.
Jasprit Bumrah was the standout performer, taking a six-wicket haul in the first innings and securing victory for India. This win leveled the five-match series at 1-1.
