Ben Stokes has issued an apology to his England team-mates for his behaviour during the second Test against Pakistan in Multan, where he likened himself to a ‘grumpy old man’. The match ultimately saw the tourists succumb to a 152-run defeat, allowing Pakistan to level the series at 1-1.
The turning point came on the fourth morning when 38-year-old spinner Noman Ali wreaked havoc with figures of eight for 46, leaving England with a daunting target of 297 on a pitch offering extreme turn. England’s frustration peaked on the third afternoon when they missed two crucial catch opportunities off Brydon Carse deliveries, allowing Salman Agha to capitalise and score a vital 63.
Captain Stokes, known for his fiery spirit, displayed uncharacteristic signs of exasperation during the challenging session, visibly demonstrating his disappointment at the team’s performance in the field. Speaking to Sky Sports post-game, Stokes openly expressed regret for his actions, acknowledging his lapse in emotional control.
Reflecting on his behaviour, Stokes admitted, “It’s the first time in my captaincy that I’ve let my emotions show in my body language… I was a tired and grumpy old man last night… I’m very annoyed at myself for letting that out… It’s something that I don’t want to do, or be seen to be doing.”
The all-rounder also ruefully acknowledged his own handling error, which saw him lose control of his bat during an ill-fated swing, resulting in his dismissal. Despite the team’s valiant efforts, England could only manage a total of 144 all out, falling short of the formidable target set by Pakistan.
Looking ahead to the next Test in Rawalpindi, Stokes emphasised the importance of adapting to varying conditions and maintaining composure under pressure. The upcoming match is expected to be a pivotal showdown, with both teams eager to secure victory in a closely contested series.
Pakistan’s captain, Shan Masood, expressed his satisfaction at claiming their first home win since February 2021 and highlighted the importance of building on this success in future matches. As the teams prepare to face off again, the stage is set for an enthralling conclusion to what has been a gripping Test series.