England captain Ben Stokes says he has no regrets about implementing the follow-on after New Zealand defied historical past to assert an exciting one-run win within the second Test in Wellington.
After New Zealand had been bowled out for 209 in reply to England’s declared first-innings complete of 8-435, Stokes despatched the Black Caps in to bat once more on the Basin Reserve on day three.
New Zealand put 483 on the board in opposition to a tiring English assault on a pitch that proved resilient, setting a goal of 258 for victory that England all however chased down on an exciting day 5 on Tuesday.
“Imagine captaining in hindsight?” stated Stokes, when requested concerning the follow-on. “That’s nothing that I would ever do.
“It was at all times our recreation to lose as soon as we enforced the follow-on.
“But the logic behind it was that our opening bowlers have ripped through their top-order for three innings in a row.
“We knew that New Zealand needed to just about play the right recreation to place us in a scenario like this.”
New Zealand became only the fourth team to win a Test after being asked to follow on, leaving the series drawn 1-1.
The loss was just Stokes’s second from 12 Tests since taking charge last year.
He said England were disappointed with the outcome but being a part of one of the most gripping matches the game has seen was its own consolation.
“Going all the way down to the final day, being within the scenario of that final half an hour – it is every part you want for,” he stated.
“Even although we got here out on the flawed aspect of it, you may’t assist however really feel blessed that we have managed to be part of that unbelievable recreation.
“It’s disappointing to not win, obviously. But we look at the bigger picture of what everyone’s enjoyed and seen here today.
“It’s in all probability greater than the frustration in the mean time.”
Stokes’s knee remains a concern and he was in obvious discomfort despite facing 116 balls in his knock of 33 on Tuesday.
He said he had no plans to withdraw from the Indian Premier League to recuperate before the Ashes in the home summer.
“I’m not going to lie. It may be very irritating understanding that I’ve bought one thing holding me again when it comes to my physique,” he stated.
“It’s been round for some time … however we’re doing every part we presumably can to permit me to fulfil that fourth-seamer position, like I used to be capable of do two or three years in the past.
“Hopefully, come the Ashes, I don’t have to worry about it.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
