England captain Ben Stokes ‘disappointed’ with thumping third Test defeat to New Zealand as he awaits injury verdict
Published 17/12/2024 at 12:15 GMT
Ben Stokes conceded that England were well below their best during a 423-run defeat in the third and final Test in New Zealand. The visitors had already wrapped up a first series win in New Zealand since 2008 after victories in the opening two Tests but were no match for the Black Caps in Hamilton. Stokes also provided an update on his injury as he potentially faces another spell on the sidelines.
Highlights: New Zealand humble England in final Test of series
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England captain Ben Stokes admitted he was "disappointed" with the nature of the defeat in the third Test against New Zealand as he waits to learn the extent of his latest injury.
The 33-year-old pulled up holding his hamstring during New Zealand’s second innings and had to watch from the sidelines as the Black Caps claimed a huge 423-run victory in Hamilton.
It is the latest in a string of recent setbacks for Stokes, who required surgery on a knee problem last year before a hamstring tear earlier in 2024 saw him miss summer Tests against Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
However, he vowed there will be "no holding back" going forward with a big 2025 ahead.
Speaking to David Gower on TNT Sports after celebrating the 2-1 series win over New Zealand, Stokes said: "I’ve got a scan tomorrow morning, so gotta wait for that. And then a few hours wait and then we'll know more from there."
Asked how it felt compared to his previous hamstring injury, he added: "Different, not as bad. I've managed to walk off this time".
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Cook and Tufnell worried about England's Ashes chances without Stokes, should captain bowl less?
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That should provide some comfort for backroom staff and fans, but the growing frequency of injuries for England’s ageing talisman will be a concern.
As for matters on the field, Stokes admitted England didn’t play "anywhere near to what our capability is" as they were ripped apart by New Zealand in the final Test.
Eyebrows were raised when the visitors won the toss and opted to bowl, although a strong early showing with the ball meant New Zealand could only muster 347.
However, England managed just 143 in response before the hosts set a mammoth 658-run target to chase.
Jacob Bethell and Joe Root provided some resistance at three and four respectively, but the Black Caps completed the win in style to restore some pride and end the year on a high.
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And while not the conclusion England would have hoped for, there are plenty of positives to take away heading into Christmas, not least of which is a first Test series win in New Zealand since 2008.
"They're a very good team wherever they go in the world, but in particular in their home conditions," Stokes continued. "Obviously, coming off the back of a historical win in India 3-0, we knew that they were going to be full of confidence.
"So to play the cricket that we did in the first two games and dominate them was very, very pleasing.
"And we came here to this last game wanting to do the same. We went out with the same mindset, same mentality, to continue the good work that we had shown in the first two games.
"We're obviously disappointed the way that the series has ended for us but [to be the] first English team that’s come here since 2008 and beat New Zealand on home soil is no mean feat. We've lifted the trophy at the end of it. That's what we came here to do."
Stokes: We knew that talent Bethell had
There were question marks over the selection of Jacob Bethell, particularly as a No. 3 batsman, but the 21-year-old answered his critics in style.
Across the three Tests, he was one of England’s standout performers, scoring three assured half-centuries.
The only thing that was missing was a maiden Test century. He came agonisingly close when he fell for 96 in the second Test, but Stokes was left mightily impressed by the way he rose to the pressure.
"I know that there was a few question marks around his selection at the start of the tour," Stokes said. "I think there won't be any more, but we knew the talent that he had.
"He'd shown that in the white ball opportunities he got in the summer before this tour. But look, for a young lad to go out there and not look flustered by the occasion whatsoever and play the in the manner that he has done [is] just incredible."
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Bethell praised for ‘splendid’ timing after another immaculate shot
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England’s next Test match is not until May next year against Zimbabwe, but there is a tour of India to look forward to in the new year.
The two cricketing titans will go toe-to-toe in five T20s and three one-day internationals across January and February in what promises to kick-start 2025 in thrilling fashion.
"It is a long time before we before we meet up again as a Test team," Stokes added. "It's been a really long 2024 obviously, this was our 17th Test match of the year. It’s been a long old slog, but we've enjoyed every moment of it.
"Looking forward to a break, and when we meet you up again against India, it will be business as usual. Go out there and just full force at India, and then we'll see where we are at the end of the series."
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