Ben Stokes Reaction, NZ vs ENG: The fans of the cricket fraternity witnessed probably the finest Test match climax in the history of the purest format of the game.
The second Test match between England and New Zealand certainly lived up to the expectations of the fans. The spectators ran through a rollercoaster ride of emotions.
Judging by England’s performances in the first innings, one would deduce that New Zealand doesn’t stand a chance. However, the hosts turned things around in the second innings.
England cricket team declared the first innings at 435/8. On the other side of the coin, the New Zealand cricket team posted 209 runs in the first innings. Kiwis were asked to follow on and they scored 483 runs in the second innings.
Meanwhile, England fell short of the target by a whisker. They lost the game by just 1 run. England cricket team scored 256 in the run-chase in the second Test.
Neil Wagner deceived James Anderson by bowling slightly a wide delivery. It tempted Anderson to play for a shot behind the wicketkeeper. As it turned out, Tom Blundell took a catch in his safe pair of gloves.
NZ vs ENG: Ben Stokes says it is very disappointing to lose
England required two runs to win the game and they had plenty of balls left in hand to complete the task. However, they let the opportunity slip away from their hands.
The Three Lions won the Test opener by a masse margin of 267 runs at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. New Zealand pulled off a victory out of nowhere as they won the game by 1 run at Basin Reserve, Wellington.
England’s Test captain Ben Stokes was not a happy man after losing the game. In fact, it was his first-ever defeat as Test captain, and had something to say at the post-match presentation.
“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 probably bigger than the disappointment at the moment,” said Stokes
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“It’s very disappointing to lose, but you can’t help but be excited that we’ve been a part of a game like that. It’s right up there. Going down to the last day, being in the situation of that last half an hour. It’s everything you wish for. Even though we came out on the wrong side of it, you can’t help but feel blessed that we’ve managed to be a part of that incredible game,” added the England Test captain.
“That game is what Test cricket is about, it was just incredible. The emotions we were going through and obviously the Kiwi boys out there as well. Was incredible to be involved in such a Test match. Everyone’s got their money’s worth,” said Ben Stokes after the game.
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