Watch: Ben Stokes praises Jasprit Bumrah, calls him 'champion of a bowler'

Updated : Feb 05, 2024 20:05
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AP

England captain Ben Stokes labelled Jasprit Bumrah "an absolute champion of a bowler" after India wrapped up a 106-run victory on day four of the second Test in Visakhapatnam.

Having taken six wickets in the first innings to give hosts the upper hand, Bumrah claimed three more on Monday and dented England's bid for what would have been a record run chase in India of 399.

The tourists' hopes took a severe blow when opener Zak Crawley got on 73 after an India review - Stokes later insisting: "I think the technology's got it wrong on this occasion."

The writing was on the wall for England when Jonny Bairstow followed Crawley back to the changing room moments later, and a laboured Stokes was run out for 11 after lunch before India went on to level the five-match series at 1-1.

Excerpts from Ben Stokes' press conference:

On England's run-chase

"Look, I was happy with the way in which we went about that chase. That's exactly how we play cricket. When an... opportunity presents itself and it's sort of a pressure situation, I think that actually... genuinely brings the best out of people. It doesn't always work, but, there were a lot of times we were on top of India, and then India were able to produce something that put them back on top. So it was very... India's game, our game. But obviously then towards the end, Jasprit Bumrah's just an absolute champion of a bowler. Whenever he comes on, you know (India captain) Rohit's (Sharma) looking for, a wicket. And... I love watching very good cricketers go about their business, and Jasprit Bumrah's definitely one of them."

Getting run out for 11

"It was like I was in one of those dreams where you're trying to run faster but you can't. Honestly, I knew I had to run faster, but for some reason I just couldn't. It was just a real bizarre couple of seconds, but you'd think by now at 32 you'd learn not to do that. It's not the first time I've been run out like that, (doing) something stupid. But, I always seem to do something to be a talking point whether it be good or bad, don't I."

Zak Crawley given out on review

"I don't think it's unfair for someone to ever say that: 'I think the technology's got it wrong on this occasion.' And that's my personal opinion. And, I will say that. But, again, in a game full of ifs, buts and maybes, I'm not saying that that is a reason as to why we haven't got the result we wanted. I'm just saying my personal opinion is that I think the technology's just gone wrong on this occasion."

Illness in the England camp

"I think it's a little bit of a virus going around. And, obviously not ideal. It's not an excuse for the result or anything like that, 'cause it's a game full of ifs, buts and maybes. But, it's something that's not ideal. You'd obviously want everyone to be a hundred per cent and feeling great. But look, (I'm) proud that the guys who were a feeling a bit under the weather, didn't shy away from anything that they needed to do today, and went out there and gave it their best crack they possibly could."

WTC Points Table: India jump to second after win against England in Vizag Test

Ben Stokes

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