The Oval Test will go down as one of the most enthralling games played and witnessed at the iconic venue. The rumblings of the game, which India snatched from England right at the end, just refuse to die.
The English were coasting to victory, but floundered big time. Ollie Pope, captaining the side in the absence of Ben Stokes, failed to impress with the bat in both innings and particularly in the second, when his stay at the wicket was so critical. His 20s were not good enough.
Jamie Overton and Gus Atkinson, the two all-rounders in the side as cover for the great Ben Stokes, were nowhere near him. Their batting, in particular, was way below the expectations of the England management, and the fearless Indian bowling attack was too hot to handle for the duo.
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Harry Brook, and Joe Root gave their best for the team, but then the absence of Ben Stokes created a void that just could not be filled. Ben Stokes had bowled his heart out too and was easily England’s best bowler of the series. Josh Tongue produced some brilliant deliveries but was guilty of conceding far too many extras and boundary balls when it was needed to be tight. Ben Stokes created something from nothing when he came on to bowl, such was his imprint on the game.
The batting and the bowling both suffered in the absence of Ben Stokes, more so in crunch situations. India was victorious in those moments for sure. The captaincy, too, was nothing spectacular for England, and Ollie Pope just ran out of ideas when India batted in the second innings. He had to be hand-held from the balcony. No wonder India had gotten too far.
Ben Stokes, in my opinion, should have played as a pure batter in place of Jacob Bethell. Although this is a thought in hindsight, the personality of Stokes and his relentless pursuit of winning games for England is such an inspiration for the team. The England team appeared to be scattered at times when it came under pressure and ultimately crumbled on the doorstep of victory, akin to a ship that had lost its rudder.
Though no player is indispensable, England still needs a Ben Stokes for its pursuit of Test glory.
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