England captain Ben Stokes has joked that keeper-batsman Ben Foakes may have a’man crush’ on Indian stumper Dhruv Jurel, complimenting the latter for his outstanding performance in the Ranchi Test.
India defeated England by five wickets in the fourth Test at Ranchi’s JSCA International Stadium Complex on Monday, February 26. Jurel, a young goalkeeper and hitter, was awarded Player of the Match after scoring 90 and 39*. He was also good behind the stumps.
Speaking during a post-match news conference following England’s defeat, skipper Ben Stokes exhibited his comic side by praising Jurel:
“Both innings he’s played very well. His keeping was also something to watch – I think Ben Foakes has a little man crush on him there.”
Ben Stokes
Jurel came in to bat in a difficult situation in the opening innings. After England recorded 353 on the board, India lost half of their side for 161, which quickly became 177/7. However, the 23-year-old Uttar Pradesh player delivered a mature performance under duress. He formed key partnerships with Kuldeep Yadav and Akash Deep to help India maintain England’s advantage of 46 runs.
The hosts were also in danger in the second innings, with 120/5 and a target of 192 to chase down. Jurel and Shubman Gill (52*) kept their composure to lead India to a series victory. Jurel had previously produced a gutsy 46 in the Rajkot Test, his debut for India.
Reflecting on India’s comeback in Ranchi, Ben Stokes confessed that England squandered opportunities while they were ahead.
“It’s always disappointing being on the losing team. Looking back at when we had our chance to bat yesterday, cricket is always skill against skill… You’ve got to give them [India] a lot of credit for the way in which they bowled in very favorable conditions. On this occasion, their skill was better than ours yesterday [Sunday].”
Ben Stokes
After leading by 46 runs in the first innings, England were all out for 145 in the second.
“Jurel showed solid composure, calmness” – Indian captain Rohit Sharma
Indian captain Rohit Sharma praised keeper-batsman Jurel for his outstanding performance under duress in the Ranchi Test.
At the post-match presentation ceremony, he appreciated the youngster’s serenity and stated:
“Jurel playing his second Test showed solid composure, calmness and he’s got the shots as well to play all around the wicket. The first innings 90 of his was very crucial for us to get close to that England’s total and again in the second innings showed a lot of maturity, composure along with Gill.”
Rohit Sharma
The fifth and final Test of the India-England series will take place at Dharamsala on March 7.