Ben Stokes has paid tribute to Chris Woakes after the all-rounder batted with a dislocated shoulder in a dramatic seven-run defeat to India, concluding a series marked by players overcoming injuries. Woakes, whose shoulder popped out on the first day, went out to bat with his arm in a sling, enduring obvious pain as England fell short in their chase.
Stokes praised the team's never-say-die attitude, noting that Woakes was in significant discomfort even while running between wickets. 'He just shrugged his shoulder and said: 'I wouldn't do anything else,'' Stokes recounted. The captain also highlighted other acts of bravery, including Rishabh Pant batting with a broken foot and Shoaib Bashir playing with a broken finger.
Stokes admitted that six dropped catches in India's second innings contributed to the defeat, but he also acknowledged that India had dropped chances in England's famous Headingley chase. 'Maybe if we did hold on to those chances, things could have been a little bit different,' he said.
Despite the loss, Stokes felt the series, which ended 2-2, was a classic and a fair result. He praised the courage shown by players like Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, and Jamie Overton, who had to take on extra responsibility after Woakes' injury. 'Some guys will leave this series having found out a lot more about themselves,' Stokes said.
India captain Shubman Gill, who scored 754 runs in the series, reflected on the highs and lows, saying the series demonstrated 'how the game of life works'. He emphasised the importance of staying balanced through the fluctuations of sport.
