Ben Stokes, following England’s victory at Headingley, attributed the success to his team’s positive attitude and a simplified approach to the game. He reflected on the pressure faced from the Indian batsmen early in the match and underscored the significance of restricting India’s runs in both innings. England successfully chased a target of 371 against Shubman Gill’s team to win the opening match and take a 1-0 lead in the 5-match series.
“It was all about our attitude and commitment, day in and day out. That’s what we focused on. Both teams played quality cricket, a great way to start the series,” Stokes stated after the match. He further noted that the dismissal of the Indian tail-enders played a crucial role in the chase. Stokes also mentioned the collaborative approach with coach Brendon McCullum, which emphasizes simplicity and calmness. “We’re a very simple-minded pair… We just try to keep everything as simple and as calm as we possibly can,” he explained. Stokes concluded by highlighting how crucial it was for the team to maintain a relaxed vibe during the chase, ensuring the players were focused on batting through the remaining overs to secure the win.