DOWN AND CLOUT

We were right to stick to our guns says Stokes

- RORY DOLLARD

BEN STOKES insists England were right to stick to their attacking intentions – despite losing the second Test to India by 106 runs.

A quick scan of their second-innings boundary count – 42 fours and four sixes – tells the story of how England’s ‘Bazballers’ went about their business in a match that ended with four full sessions unused.

It was the kind of aggressive display that has become par for the course under Stokes’ leadership.

And even dismissals like Joe Root’s for 16, an agricultural heave from the side’s most elegant player, do not give Stokes pause for thought.

“I think our approach is what we’re known for, the way in which we play,” said skipper Stokes, who was run out for 11 as England reached 292 – the second-highest fourth-innings total any overseas team have scored in Indian conditions.

“Regardless of the situation, we want to stay very true to ourselves. I was happy with the way we went about that chase.