NEW DELHI: England captain
Ben Stokes
on Sunday described win over India in first Test in Hyderabad as the 'greatest' victory since he took over Test captaincy from Joe Root.
Riding on Ollie Pope's daddy ton and Tom Hartley's seven-for on Test debut, England stunned India by 28 runs to go 1-0 up in the five-match series.
Stokes, who took over the role of England's Test skipper in 2022, lauded Pope and Hartley for their instrumental role in team's memorable win.
"Since I've taken the captaincy on, where we are and who we're playing against, it's 100% our greatest victory," Stokes said.
"My first time coming out here and being captain in these conditions. I'm a great observer, I've watched how India operate in the field. Absolutely thrilled for everyone, Tom Hartley nine wickets, Ollie Pope first Test back after shoulder surgery.
"Tom came into the squad for the first time, he's heard a lot had a lot of confidence. I was willing to give him a long spell regardless of what happened. Whether that was the reason he got seven wickets and won us the game, who knows?"
Stokes, who played a vital knock of 70 in England's first-innings total of 246 all out, was effusive in his praise for Pope.
"(Pope) Seen some special innings from Joe Root, but the whole innings on a difficult wicket, for me that's the greatest innings by an Englishman on the subcontinent.
"If you lose, you wake up in the morning, still have a good crack and life and move on. We don't fear failure. Go out and express yourself and you'll be all right."
Player of the match Pope was modest in his analysis of his epic knock, saying he was bit luckier in the second innings when he got a reprieve from Axar Patel after completing his century.
"To come here to India, toughest place as a better and put in a winning performance, it's head and shoulders above the rest. I got a bit luckier in the second innings, played and missed a few," Pope said.
"Wanted to be positive with my sweep and reverse-sweep. I've tinkered through my career, changed my technique specifically for this series. The family have had early starts but can catch up on some sleep now."
India's chase of 231 went horribly wrong once Hartley (7/62) spun into India's top-order, igniting a rot that saw the hosts getting bowled out in the final over of the day.
(With inputs from PTI)
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