Ben Stokes has blasted the state of the pitch following England’s defeat to Pakistan in the second Test of their series on Friday.
The Three Lions lost by 152 runs, with Pakistan bowling them out for 144 in their second innings.
England weren’t at their best as they crashed to defeat, with the hosts able to level the series.
The pitch appeared cracked throughout the showdown and, now, Stokes has criticised the pitch by saying it was ‘incredibly tough’ to play on.
Ben Stokes has blasted the state of the pitch following England’s defeat to Pakistan in the second Test of their series on Friday
REUTERS
Speaking to Sky Sports, the England skipper said: “It was going to be a massive task for us because of how much was going on out of the wicket.
“But we knew that chasing a total down, we had to go out there with a method as individuals and as a batting unit.
“Look at the guys who had success in this Test match, it was the guys who looked to put spin under pressure by basically getting your broom out.
“A lot of sweeps, reverse sweeps because that just negates the spin.
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“It was incredibly tough conditions to just try and keep it out. You felt like there was probably one ball with your name on it.
“I was at slip when we were bowling and as soon as batters looked to defend, you felt massively in the game.
“For us, it was about chasing that total down, not eking it out because, again, everyone who had success from our side and Pakistan’s was looking to sweep and put the spinners under pressure.”
Stokes then expressed a belief that 200 would have been a tough total to get given the state of the pitch.
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“It was always going to be a big toss, turning up here on a day six pitch before a ball was bowled,” he said.
“We felt like we were still in the game when we came to chase that down. You have to give credit to Pakistan with the way in which they put a good score on the board.
“Ben Duckett’s first-innings hundred was incredible then we lost some quick wickets at the end of day two. That’s where I thought the pitch starting reacting a little differently to spin.
“Then when you’re ahead of the game as Pakistan were at the start of the second innings, you can really start to put the foot down. Anything, 200 would have been a tough ask on that.
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Ben Stokes believes 200 would have been a tough ask on the pitch as England lost to Pakistan
REUTERS
“You’ve got to give them credit for their game play, especially last night in that situation, where they got themselves up to a big lead.
“It was a tough ask for us but the way we took the game on today was the only way we were going to get close.”
Meanwhile, former England star Steven Finn believes there’s no need for the visitors to panic after the defeat.
He told the BBC: “I don’t think England will beat themselves up or have a hard review about this defeat.
Ben Stokes praised Pakistan after England lost the second Test on Friday
REUTERS
“One thing that’s really impressive about this England side is that they could’ve kicked and screamed about the pitch being used for two Tests in a row.
“We haven’t heard any of them say this was a disgrace. On the opposite, England have relished this as a challenge.
“England will review the way they can score runs in this sort of conditions. Practicing getting low and playing those sweep shots will be important for this team with some young batters who will encounter conditions like this when they go to India or come here next time.”