'We'll come out with same aggressive mindset': England captain Ben Stokes warns India ahead of fifth Test

'We'll come out with same aggressive mindset': England captain Ben Stokes warns India ahead of fifth Test

PTIUpdated: Tuesday, June 28, 2022, 12:50 PM IST
article-image
England captain Ben Stokes |

Relentless in their 3-0 sweep of New Zealand, England captain Ben Stokes said there will be no let-up in intensity against India in the upcoming rescheduled fifth Test.

Under the leadership of Stokes and new coach Brendon McCullum, England recorded a phenomenal 3-0 win in the Test series against reigning WTC champions New Zealand, capping it off with a seven-wicket victory in the third and final match at Headingley.

The one-off Test against India, a part of last year's five-match series, which was abandoned due to a COVID-19 outbreak, will begin at Edgbaston on Friday.

"Trust me when I say this. We'll be coming out with exactly the same (aggressive) mindset, even though it's a different opposition," Stokes said on Monday.

"Obviously, it's going to be a completely different... different opposition, with their attack and players as well. We'll be concentrating on what we've done well over these last three games and look to continue that against India on Friday."

The visitors are leading the five-match series 2-1 but will face a revitalised England, which comprise only four members -- Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Bairstow and James Anderson -- from last year's fourth Test against the Indians.

Stokes himself was not available for the series last year as he had taken a break to focus on his mental health.

England endured a tough time in the last few months, winning just once in 17 Tests before the New Zealand series.

Praising his teammates for turning things around, Stokes said: "To walk away with a 3-0 series win over the best team in the world is a pretty special start." "I've got to show a huge amount of testament to the team over these three games. They've been absolutely phenomenal."

Stokes took over the captaincy after Root relinquished the position following England's 0-1 series defeat to the West Indies in April. "When I took over this job, it was more than results for me. It was about changing the mindset of the lads towards Test cricket, about having fun, and enjoying the fact that you're out there representing your country, and the results look after itself.

"But to say that we've done it so quickly is just unbelievable. I can only do so much, so I've got to show a huge amount of credit to Brendon, in the way that he's come in and influenced this group."

RECENT STORIES

Viral Video: RCB Fan Does 'Silence' Gesture As The Team Defeats SRH By 35 Runs In IPL 2024 Clash

Viral Video: RCB Fan Does 'Silence' Gesture As The Team Defeats SRH By 35 Runs In IPL 2024 Clash

Video: Virat Kohli's Grin Lights Up As RCB End 6-Match Winless Streak vs SRH In IPL 2024 Clash

Video: Virat Kohli's Grin Lights Up As RCB End 6-Match Winless Streak vs SRH In IPL 2024 Clash

Video: Shadab Khan Takes A Screamer In PAK vs NZ 3rd T20I

Video: Shadab Khan Takes A Screamer In PAK vs NZ 3rd T20I

Video: Kavya Maran's Expression Goes Viral As SRH Lose Their 6th Wicket In IPL 2024 Match vs RCB

Video: Kavya Maran's Expression Goes Viral As SRH Lose Their 6th Wicket In IPL 2024 Match vs RCB

Viral Pics: McLaren F1 Driver Oscar Piastri Shows Support For Delhi Capitals, Dons Jersey No.81

Viral Pics: McLaren F1 Driver Oscar Piastri Shows Support For Delhi Capitals, Dons Jersey No.81