Ben Stokes on verbal battles: 'I don’t think any of the Indian players have been going to bed crying'

The five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy was marked by several fiery on-field and off-field confrontations. From Shubman Gill’s clash with Zak Crawley at Lord’s to Mohammed Siraj’s exchange with Ben Duckett, and Gautam Gambhir’s heated moment with the Oval curator, tensions flared throughout the Test series.

However, England captain Ben Stokes downplayed the drama, saying such incidents are common in high-stakes series and that once the match ends, players move on and let bygones be bygones.


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“Yeah, it’s been awesome. You know, India-England is always a massive series. There are always going to be moments where emotions come out from both sides, especially when the game is on the line,” Stokes told Sky Sports.

“I’ve said it a few times before—I don’t think any of my lads are going to sleep crying over what was said. And I don’t think any of the Indian players have been going to bed crying over it either.


“I think it just shows the passion and desire that everyone has when representing their country with their nation’s flag on their chest.”

India pulled off a thrilling six-run victory over England in the seesawing fifth and final Test on Monday, securing a hard-fought 2-2 draw in a blockbuster series that ebbed and flowed over weeks of intense cricket between the two powerhouses.

The tireless Mohammed Siraj (5/104) emerged as India’s biggest hero with one of his finest bowling performances. He finished the series with 23 wickets—the most by any bowler from either side.

Chasing a record target of 374, England were 339 for six when bad light and rain brought an early close on Day 4.

India wrapped up the remaining four wickets in quick succession the next morning, dismissing England for 367 in 85.1 overs.

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