
Will Be "Trying To Hit India Hard": England Captain Ben Stokes' Massive Warning Ahead Of Lord's Test
"We came out on top at Headingley, and they came out on top in the last game. When you have two good sides going at it against each other, you are going to see that. I don't think we feel like we have the edge over anyone. We respect our opposition, whoever that may be. We'll be coming out this week, trying to hit them hard and obviously trying to come away with a win," said Stokes in the pre-game conference.
England made history by completing the second-highest run chase on English soil in Test cricket as they chased down 371 with five wickets to spare at Headingley in the first Test. India returned the favour by winning their first-ever Test at Edgbaston in the second Test on the back of inspiring batting by Shubman Gill.
Earlier on Wednesday, England announced the playing XI for the Lord's Test. Sussex fast bowler Jofra Archer replaces Josh Tongue for the third game of the five-Test series, starting on Thursday, July 10.
Archer has played 13 Tests for England and picked 42 wickets at an average of 31.04. He has made a return to the England Test set-up for the first time since February 2021.
Stokes acknowledged it was pretty exciting to have the quick back in the team and at his disposal.
"Really exciting. I think it's great for English fans, but also for Jof. It's been a long time coming for him. The way in which he's handled injury setbacks over that period it's been very commendable, and the way in which he's gotten himself back onto the field and playing cricket over a long period of time now, it's exciting to have him back.
"I think Jof's going to be pretty proud of himself that he's managed to get himself back here after two pretty big injury scares," added Stokes.

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First Post
14 minutes ago
- First Post
'I don't think I've ever seen a bowler do that': Akash Deep hammered for 'unnecessary' celebration by England coach, retired greats
Indian pacer Akash Deep sparked controversy on Day 2 of the final India vs England Test at The Oval with an unusual send-off for Ben Duckett. Former England stars called the act 'unnecessary' and criticised the gesture during post-match reactions. read more The fifth and final Test between India and England continued to be full of drama on Day 2 at The Oval. After England's openers made a flying start with a quickfire partnership of 92 runs, India's bowlers came back strongly to bowl them out for 247, giving England just a small lead of 23 runs. Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj were the pick of the bowlers with four wickets each, while Akash Deep took one under his belt. But the biggest talking point, however, was what Indian pacer Akash Deep did after getting English opener Ben Duckett out. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Duckett had smashed a few boundaries, including a reverse hook six off Deep, and looked dangerous. But soon after, Akash Deep got him caught behind for 43 runs. Instead of celebrating with his teammates, Deep walked up to Duckett and put his arm around him while he was walking off the field. Akash Deep slammed for strange celebration This act didn't go down well with former England players and coaches, who criticised Akash Deep in post-match reactions. 'I was just saying many in my time, a lot of players would have just dropped the elbow on him. I don't think I've ever seen a bowler do that after getting someone out,' England batting coach Marcus Trescothick said. 'You see bowlers have many words like we've seen a bit in this series on both sides. But it was just different wasn't it? I was just laughing and joking about it. Ben doesn't really do a great deal. Put your head down and walk off, your job is done at that point. There is no need to walk him off in that fashion,' he added. Former England captain Mike Atherton also called it 'unnecessary' and asked fellow commentator Dinesh Karthik if he had seen anything like it. Karthik said he didn't think it was the right way to behave after getting someone out, but felt Duckett didn't react badly and maybe they knew each other personally. 'He's given Duckett a bit of a send-off, which is probably unnecessary, but it's the wicket that India desperately wanted. How many times did a bowler put his arm around after dismissing you, DK?' Atherton asked Karthik. 'I'm not sure if this is the right way to send off a batter, especially after you've got him out. Not many batters would behave the way Ben Duckett did, or rather did. It looked like they knew each other well,' Karthik replied. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD There were a couple of more heated exchanges later in the day. Joe Root was involved in an altercation with Prasidh Krishna, and Sai Sudharsan gave a mouthful to Duckett after getting dismissed in India's second innings. The finale is heating up with India looking to save the series, while England want to maintain their lead.


Time of India
41 minutes ago
- Time of India
Ricky Ponting admits he would have punched Akash Deep if he would have given him a send-off: 'Probably yeah'
Akash Deep celebrates after dismissing Ben Duckett on Day Two of the 5th Test match between England and India at The Oval. (Getty Images) Former Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting criticised Indian pacer Akash Deep for his post-wicket gesture towards England's Ben Duckett during the fifth Test match at The Oval, stating he would have responded with physical aggression if faced with similar behaviour during his playing career. The incident occurred in the 13th over of England's innings when Akash Deep dismissed Duckett and subsequently wrapped his arm around the batter's shoulder with a smile. Prasidh Krishna press confefence: On sledging Joe Root, special chat with Mohammed Siraj and more The dismissal came after Duckett had scored an aggressive 43 runs off 38 balls, including four boundaries and a six against Akash Deep. This was the fourth time Akash Deep had claimed Duckett's wicket in the series, but the first instance followed a period where the English batter had dominated the bowler. During a Sky Sports Lunch break show, presenter Ian Ward questioned Ponting about the incident, asking, "I can think of a few batsmen down the years that would take umbrage at this, and I'm looking very much in your direction. That would have been a Ponting right hook, wouldn't it?" Ponting responded affirmatively, stating, "Probably yeah, probably." The former Australian captain later softened his stance, acknowledging Duckett's composed reaction to the incident. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Brain tumor has left my son feeling miserable; please help! Donate For Health Donate Now Undo "Although I mean, when I saw it, I just thought they must have been mates or played against each other somewhere or together. I would like to have something like that. I mean, you don't see that every day, maybe in a local park game or not in a test match that's been played as fiercely as this series has been played. I love the way that Ben Duckett plays his cricket. I think I like him more now to not to be able to react to that," Ponting said. The incident was part of a dramatic second day at The Oval, where 16 wickets fell on a pitch with unpredictable bounce. India, starting at 204/6, were bowled out for 224. England's innings began explosively, reaching 92 runs in just 13 overs. However, they eventually collapsed to 247 all out, securing a narrow 23-run lead. By the end of the day's play, which was cut short due to bad light, India had reached 75-2, with Yashasvi Jaiswal scoring an unbeaten 51 off 49 balls despite being dropped twice. This gave India a lead of 52 runs. The match remains closely contested with England leading the series 2-1, making this final Test crucial for both teams. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!


News18
an hour ago
- News18
Ricky Ponting Admits He'd Have Punched Akash Deep For Ben Duckett-Like Send-Off
Last Updated: Ricky Ponting admitted that he'd have punched any bowler who tried Akash Deep's aggressive send-off with him during his playing days. Ricky Ponting would have 'probably' landed a 'right hook' on any bowler that tried to send him off like Akash Deep did to Ben Duckett on Friday (August 1), the second day of the fifth Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Test. Akash and Duckett carried on their verbal battle from earlier in the series to this game. Duckett pulled out a couple of audacious scoops for boundaries against Aakash and was heard telling that the pacer couldn't get him out. But just like the third Test at Lord's, Akash eventually got him out, making him glove another attempted scoop to Dhruv Jurel. As Duckett walked back, Akash put his arm around him and smiled. Duckett didn't seem to say much but was fuming within. The matter was brought to Ponting during the Lunch break. 'I can think of a few batsmen down the years that would take umbrage at this, and I'm looking very much in your direction. That would have been a Ponting right hook, wouldn't it?" Sky Sports presenter Ian Ward asked Ponting. 'Probably yeah, probably," he replied. Further, Ponting agreed that such reactions from bowlers aren't seen every day in Tests, adding that he now liked Duckett even more for reacting to it. 'Although I mean, when I saw it, I just thought they must have been mates or played against each other somewhere or together. I would like to have something like that. I mean, you don't see that every day, maybe in a local park game or not in a test match that's been played as fiercely as this series has been played. I love the way that Ben Duckett plays his cricket. I think I like him more now to not to be able to react to that," Ponting added. The reaction has not gone down well in England either. The hosts' assistant coach Marcus Trescothick also called it 'strange' from Akash, saying that he knew a lot of 'good' people in county cricket who would have responded to it by 'digging an elbow' into the Indian for it. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.