NEW DELHI: England faced a crushing defeat by an innings and 64 runs in the culmination of the five-match series in Dharamsala on Saturday, marking a disappointing end to their tour of India. Despite showcasing some resilience in earlier Tests, Ben Stokes' side faltered in the final match, drawing criticism from former cricketers.
Former England cricketer Alastair Cook came to the defense of the team, emphasizing the human aspect of the game. "They're not robots," Cook remarked, acknowledging the challenges faced by players during extended tours. Cook, who led England to victory in India in 2012, highlighted the mental and physical toll of such demanding tours.
However, Australian cricketing legend Mark Waugh expressed disbelief at Cook's comments, suggesting that international cricketers are trained and paid to perform under such circumstances. "This is one of the best tours as an international cricketer you can go on," Waugh countered, indicating his disagreement with Cook's perspective.
Waugh's response, shared on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), underscored the contrasting views regarding the expectations placed on professional cricketers during tours of this nature.
Cook further elaborated on his stance, acknowledging the toll of prolonged periods away from home and the emotional strain of competing in a challenging series. While not excusing the team's performance, Cook emphasized the human element inherent in such high-pressure situations.
1/10:Five series with most sixes in Test cricket history
AFP
2/10:Pakistan vs New Zealand 2014
<p>Fifth on list is Pakistan vs New Zealand series in 2014 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) which was characterized by 59 sixes across the three matches.<br /><br /></p>AFP
3/10:Pakistan vs New Zealand 2014
<p>The Pakistan vs New Zealand series in 2014 concluded with a 1-1 draw<br /><br /></p>AFP
4/10:India vs South Africa 2019
<p>In the 2019 India-South Africa series, a total of 65 sixes were recorded which makes them fourth on the list.<br /><br /></p>TIMESOFINDIA.COM
5/10:India-South Africa 2019
<p>India hit 47 of them, including an impressive 19 sixes by Rohit Sharma alone.<br /><br /><br /></p>AP
6/10:Ashes Series
<p>Third on the list is the 2013-14 Ashes series in Australia in which a total of 65 sixes were hit, highlighting the aggressive gameplay.<br /><br /><br /></p>Getty Images
7/10:Ashes 2013-14
<p style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px; font-size: inherit; list-style: none; -webkit-user-drag: none; overflow: visible; font-family: inherit; color: inherit; display: block;">Australia showcased remarkable dominance by whitewashing England 5-0.</p>AFP
8/10:2023 Ashes series
<p>The 2023 Ashes series witnessed a total of 74 sixes being unleashed, showcasing the power-hitting prowess of 28 players. This remarkable feat positions them second on the list in terms of sixes hit in a series.<br /><br /><br /></p>Getty Images
9/10:2023 Ashes series
<p><br />In the 2023 Ashes series, both Australia and England engaged in one of the most thrilling contests in recent memory, ending in a 2-2 draw.<br /><br /><br /></p>Getty Images
10/10:India vs. England
<p><br />On the top of the list stands the 2024 India vs. England series in India, where an unprecedented 102 sixes have been struck, marking a historic milestone in bilateral series history.<br /><br /><br /></p>AFPThe former England captain also addressed the notion of "dead rubber" matches, suggesting that despite the series outcome being decided, representing England always carries significance. Cook highlighted the team's efforts and commitment, despite falling short in the final encounter.
