Premier English all-rounder Ben Stokes, on Sunday (6th March), admitted that he let his team down with his performances in the Ashes 2021-22 against Australia recently.
Returning to cricket in Ashes 2021-22 after taking an indefinite break, Ben Stokes didn’t have the kind of impact he would’ve wanted. The southpaw’s poor form was one of the main reasons for England’s horrendous outings with the bat in the five-Test series. Stokes got the start in every match but failed to convert them into a big knock.
He scored only 236 runs at an average of 23.60 and took only four wickets in England’s 0-4 thrashing at the hands of Australia.
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The all-rounder is now gearing up for the three-match Test series against West Indies. The series will begin from 8th March in Antigua with the second and third games to be played in Barbados and Grenada on 16th and 24th March respectively.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the first Test against West Indies, Ben Stokes admitted that he let his team down with his performances in the Ashes 2021-22.
"Looking back on Australia we've had some honest reflections, not only as a team but individuals. One of my reflections on the tour as a whole was that I personally felt I let the team down, with more than just performances,” Ben Stokes said.
Ben Stokes further said that they will go into the West Indies Tests with a clean slate. He’s adamant to perform on a ‘consistent basis’ and help his team to be back on the track after forgettable time in Australia.
"I would have liked to have been in better physical shape when I was in Australia. I never want to feel that way again because it's hard when you sit down to reflect on the things that didn't go well in Australia.
“We've come here (to Antigua) and wiped the slate clean. We can't live in the past. I know what I want to give to the team and I know what I have to do to deliver that on a consistent basis,” he said.
Notably, Ben Stokes was hampered with the side strain in the fourth Test of Ashes 2021-22, which kept him from bowling in the rest of the matches. He also opted out of the IPL 2022 to remain fresh for England’s home season.
(Reuters inputs)
