India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has firmly responded to Ben Stokes’ claim that the Edgbaston pitch in the second Test “behaved like a subcontinental surface.” The remark from the England captain came after India handed England a crushing 336-run defeat, leveling the five-match series 1-1.
Stokes Blames Conditions After Heavy Defeat
In the post-match presentation, Stokes suggested that the pitch turned slow and spin-friendly as the game progressed, saying:
“It probably ended up being more of a subcontinent pitch… we’ve been out-skilled this week.”
His comments drew criticism from fans and former players who felt the skipper was deflecting from England’s poor performance.
Kotak: “Ball Was Moving Even on Day 5”
Ahead of the third Test at Lord’s, Kotak rejected the pitch excuse, stating that India’s bowlers simply read the conditions better.
“Personally, it didn’t look like a subcontinental wicket to me. The ball was moving, even after 40 overs, and even on the final day,” he said.
Kotak explained that the slight turn on Day 5 came from footmarks, not the kind of deterioration typical on Asian surfaces.
“They prepared a hard batting wicket with grass. It didn’t break down like a subcontinental pitch usually would,” he added.
Jadeja, Sundar Seal Dominant Win
Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar played key roles on the final day. Jadeja extracted sharp turn early, and Sundar’s dismissal of Stokes before lunch helped India wrap up the win in the next session—marking their first-ever Test victory at Edgbaston.
Focus Shifts to Lord’s Test
With the series now tied, both teams head to Lord’s for the third Test. India will look to continue their dominance with a confident bowling unit, while England will aim to bounce back—without blaming the conditions.
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