Ben Stokes celebrates England’s remarkable recovery in India

Ben Stokes hailed England’s remarkable 28-run victory against India in the first Test in Hyderabad as their best performance under his captaincy. 

The debutant Tom Hartley’s outstanding seven-wicket haul played a crucial role. With India’s formidable home record and their strong attack, England’s win marked their 14th victory in 19 matches under Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum. 

Ollie Pope’s impressive 196 set the stage before Hartley dismissed India for 202, securing the win with a target of 231 in the fourth innings.

“This is definitely the No 1 win since I have been captain,” Stokes said. “We’ve been part of some ­amazing games, had some incredible victories. But considering where we are and who we were playing against, the position we found ourselves going into our second innings, I feel this is our best since I’ve been captain; our greatest triumph.”