In Ahmedabad, England players suffered ‘dramatic’ weight loss
New Delhi, March 9
England all-rounder Ben Stokes has revealed that he and his teammates endured ‘dramatic weight loss’ during the fourth and final Test match against India at Ahmedabad.
He said that playing in the 41° C heat after a stomach illness took a heavy toll on the visitors in the series finale.
England lost the four-Test series 1-3 after going down in the final match by an innings and 25 runs last week.
Stokes said that some of the English players struggled on the field as they were ‘down with the illness’.
“Players are totally committed to England and I think that was emphasised last week when a few of us went down with the illness that made operating in 41-degree heat particularly taxing,” Stokes told a British daily.
“I lost 5kg in a week, Dom Sibley 4kg and Jimmy Anderson 3kg among others. Jack Leach was ducking off the field in between bowling spells and spending more time than is ideal in the toilet,” he added.
“This is in no way an excuse, because everyone was ready to play, and India and Rishabh Pant especially produced a terrific performance, but I take off my hat to the effort that was put in by players who gave everything they had to try and win for England,” Stokes said.
“I have been through times like this in my career and your confidence can take a knock from a tour like this…” he added. “You have to use the disappointment in the best way you can to motivate you to improve.” — TNS, agencies
