England all-rounder Ben Stokes believes the surface was ideal for India in the T20 World Cup 2024 semi-final in Guyana on June 27. The Test captain also praised England for proving their mettle in the competition when under pressure.
The conditions on the field in Guyana significantly favored Indian spinners particularly after captain Rohit Sharma posted the highest score of 57 to raise their total to 171/7. Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav between them claimed six wickets dismantling the defending champions for 103 runs securing a 68 run victory.
Speaking with BBC Sport, Ben Stokes claimed that the T20 World Cup format is perhaps unfair given of the unpredictable weather. He said:
“It’s an interesting format, the T20 World Cup, one I’m not a huge fan of because teams can go through or not go through potentially because of a weather situation.
“When England were put under pressure, especially at the back end of the group stages, they showed what a good team they were. India are a very good team, especially in the conditions that pitch offered. It gave India a huge advantage.”
Ben Stokes
With worries about Jos Buttler’s future as captain, the 33-year-old insisted that the keeper-batsman is the right man to lead England, adding:
“Jos is the man to lead that white-ball team forward. He is a great leader. He’s got the respect of all the team members in the dressing room. They have done a great job in getting to another major semi-final. Being part of sport is about growing and progressing your side. It’s not shabby to say you got through to a World Cup semi-final.”
Ben Stokes
The Lancashire cricketer as captain has had a substantial tenure. Buttlers standout achievement lies in leading England to victory in the 2022 World T20 Championship. Despite this success they faced a disappointing campaign in the 2023 50over World Cup where they were eliminated early in the group stage.
“Complete and utter role model for all fast bowlers” – Ben Stokes on James Anderson
As James Anderson prepares to retire following the Lord’s Test against the West Indies, Stokes reminisced on his great career and praised his dedication. The seam-bowling all-rounder explained:
“I’d rather talk about the memories of Jimmy, what he is to the game and what he is to English cricket. He’s a complete and utter role model for all fast bowlers. The commitment he has shown to his craft is just phenomenal. He’s an incredible professional, an incredible athlete and one of our greatest ever to play the game.”
England’s home Test summer began on July 10, when they face the West Indies in a three-match series.