England Test skipper Ben Stokes admitted the team’s efforts that bring them a 7-wicket victory over India in the rescheduled 5th Test at Edgbaston. Although, the ace all-rounder also condemned the racial slurs chucked at Indian fans during the fixture.
On day 4 of the Test, reports of racial abuse in the Eric Hollies stand emerged on social media networks. Also, a Twitter user complained to the ECB and Warwickshire regarding his group being referred to as “smelly P***s. The cops began investigating the matter after the ‘Bharat Army’ (an Indian supporter’s team) confirmed the same.
We are very concerned to hear reports of racist abuse at today's Test match. We are in contact with colleagues at Edgbaston who will investigate. There is no place for racism in cricket
— England and Wales Cricket Board (@ECB_cricket) July 4, 2022
Stokes took to his official Twitter account to express frustration at hearing reports of racial abuse at Edgbaston. The 30-year-old all-rounder stated that racism has no place in the match and hopes the white-ball series to go easily.
“Amazing week on the pitch but really disappointed to hear reports of racist abuse at Edgbaston. Absolutely no place for it in the game. Hope all the fans at the white-ball series have a brilliant time and create a party atmosphere. That’s what cricket’s about,” Stokes wrote.
Warwickshire chief executive Stuart Cain mourned the events and excused the distress it caused the fans. Cain agreed to complete co-operation with the police officials investigating the incident and promise lifetime bans to those found guilty.
Ben Stokes registers 4th consecutive Test victory as skipper
Meanwhile, the Durham all-rounder has really enjoyed a memorable time with the England team of late. Since succeeding Joe Root as Test skipper, he has turned the team’s fortunes dramatically. After whitewashing, New Zealand in the 3-Test series, England victory the decisive Test against India at Edgbaston to draw the 5-Test series.
Speaking of the match against India, the home side recorded their highest run-chase in Test cricket. England performed catch-up during a significant part of the match, starting with admitting a 132-run lead after their first innings. Despite Jonny Bairstow’s 106, the tourists led by 132 runs after completing 416.
A new era of Test cricket 🎸🤘
🏴 #ENGvIND 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/lLpAtG4fgR
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 5, 2022
Although, England concluded a remarkable comeback in the 2nd essay as they bowled the visitors out for 245. They chased down 378 in the 4th innings with 7 wickets to spare, titled by centuries from Bairstow and Joe Root after Zak Crawley and Alex Lees initiated strongly. They denied India their initial series win on English soil in 2007.