Ben Stokes Warns Team India: 'Won't Purposely Start Sledging But...'

News18

22-07-2025

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England captain Ben Stokes said his team will respond to any aggression from Indian players in the fourth Test in Manchester.
England captain Ben Stokes on Tuesday made it clear that his team will reciprocate any aggression from Indian players in the fourth Test starting Wednesday, suggesting that the intense verbal exchanges in the series will continue.
England lead the five-match series 2-1, but players such as India skipper Shubman Gill, Mohammed Siraj, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Stokes, and Harry Brook have not shied away from engaging in animated conversations with the opposition.
'I don't think it's one of those things where we're going to necessarily just go out and start at (sledging). I don't think either team's really looked to do that. I think there's always going to be a moment in a Test series where something does heat up. It's a massive series and there's a lot of pressure on both teams to perform," Stokes was quoted as saying to reporters ahead of the match at Old Trafford.
While it might have been an organic reaction to a particular situation, Stokes clearly hinted that his team will not take aggression from the rival camp lightly.
'As I said, we won't purposely start it because that would distract us from what we need to do on the field. But we won't take a backward step if the opposition tries to confront us. And we won't hesitate to respond. I think this applies to most teams. The series has been great to play and watch, with quality cricket over all five days of each Test," he added.
The third day of the third Test at Lord's saw tensions escalate when Crawley and Duckett employed delaying tactics, prompting angry reactions from Siraj and Gill.
What Happened Between India And England?
Gill pointed his fingers at Duckett, who responded similarly. Stokes defended the incident.
'That night at Lord's when Zak and Ben started things off, we had the advantage of bowling last to win the match. We threw everything we could at India, using both our skills and our energy in the field," he said.
Stokes acknowledged that the aggression from the Indian players added adrenaline to his side.
'Harry Brook said, Brendan McCullum said, you guys have been too nice. Do you agree? Yes, potentially. It was a nice moment when the team discussed it, and everyone agreed to respond to the opposition's aggressive tactics," said the all-rounder.
While India are in a must-win situation, England are in a favourable position, having taken the series lead at Lord's. They will aim to win the rubber at a venue where India hasn't played a Test since 2014.
'Good win for us at Lord's. Nice break. Hope we continue the momentum and put in the same effort and energy," Stokes said.
An injury-plagued India may need to adjust its strategy in the penultimate Test, aiming to end a winless streak at Old Trafford and level the series in what has been a compelling contest so far.
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