England captain Ben Stokes has declared that they will not attempt to start a sledging game with India in the fourth Test in Manchester. The seasoned all-rounder, on the other hand, stated unequivocally that the hosts will not back down if the opposition attacks.
The third Test at Lord’s was a close battle between the two teams. It all started after the Indian team chastised Zak Crawley for his time-wasting tactics in the final parts of Day 3. The bad blood carried over into the last two days as well. The game finished well. Players of England consoled Ravindra jadeja and Mohammed siraj.
Ahead of the fourth Test match which is scheduled to commence on July 23 at Old Trafford, Ben Stokes addressed the journalists. He discussed the sledging between the teams; he exchanged the opinion of England. He said:
“I don’t think it’s one of those things where we are going to necessarily go out and start at it. I don’t think either team has looked to do that. I think there’s always going to be a moment in a Test series where something does heat up. It’s a massive series and there’s a lot of pressure on both teams. There is going to be some heat shown.
Ben Stokes
“That night when Zak and Ben (Duckett) had to go out started it off. We just threw everything that we possibly could at India. It’s not something that we are purposely going to go out and look to start because that will take our focus off what we need to do in the middle. But, by no means are we going to take a backward step.”
Ben Stokes
"He's the absolute GOAT" 🐐
Ben Stokes with high praise for Joe Root 💪 pic.twitter.com/DjUB0r7CFH
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 22, 2025
Ben Stokes won the Player of the Match award for his fine all round show at Lord’s. He took five wicket and played 44 & 33 in two innings.
Ben Stokes Admits Missing Family Deeply During Extended Break After Lord’s Test
Stokes was one of the greatest bowlers on display at Lord’s, bowling 20 overs in the first innings and 24 in the second. Having given his all with the ball, despite his fitness worries, the England skipper conceded that the break following the third Test was a pleasant relief. He remarked:
“I was in my bed for two days… felt like I was in a long-distance relationship with my family. It was a good win and a nice break. We’ll look to put the same energy next week.”
Ben Stokes
'Liam Dawson coming into the side makes England stronger!'
Darren Gough speaks ahead of the fourth Test between England and India 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/cVFEeuUNAS
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 22, 2025
England has made one alteration to their playing XI for the fourth Test against India in Manchester. Hampshire all-rounder Liam Dawson will replace the injured Shoaib Bashir. Dawson last played a Test in July 2017.
