Ben Stokes, Brendon McCullum blame toss for England's defeat in 2nd Test; deny credit to Pakistan

England captain Ben Stokes has candidly denied crediting Pakistan for handing them a crushing defeat of 152 runs in the second Test of the ongoing three-match Test series. With this remarkable victory, Pakistan leveled the Test series 1-1 against England at home.

After the second Test, Ben Stokes has given entire credit to the toss, as he emphasized how Pakistan skillfully leveraged their home conditions to their advantage after winning the toss at Multan Cricket Stadium, where they played on the reused surface.

Ben Stokes highlights toss impact as Pakistan levels Test series with dominant win over England

While admitting the toss played a significant role in the match outcome, Ben Stokes suggested that if England had won, the result might have swung entirely in their favor. The England captain said that he and his counterpart Shan Masood were well aware of the advantage of winning the toss.

Despite the setback in Multan, Ben Stokes has reiterated his unwavering belief in his method, as he has no intention of changing his trusted approach in the next game, saying he always calls tails for the toss by hinting at a determination to turn the tables in the third and final Test match in Rawalpindi.

I always call tails, and I won't be changing it next week either: Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes said at the post-match press conference: “Well, I think they just used their home conditions in their favor; you know, again, you could look back, and if we had won the toss, it could have been completely different, and then it would have been a silly decision. But, you know, the Toss was always going to be massive on this thing; me and Shan Masood both knew that, walking out there at 9.30 on whatever day it was. I always call tails, and I won't be changing it next week either.”

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Brendon McCullum analyzes England's defeat, credits Pakistan's strategy and spin attack for stunning victory

Meanwhile, Brendon McCullum opened up about England’s tough defeat in the second Test against Pakistan. The head coach admitted that the extreme conditions in Multan played a crucial role in the outcome while highlighting how the reused surface added a challenging element.

However, Brendon McCullum admitted that winning the toss would have been a significant advantage but credited Pakistan’s strategy and ability to capitalize in the first innings that truly turned the game in their favor for their Test series-leveling win in Multan.

The England coach also pointed to the brilliance of Pakistan’s spinners, who exploited the deteriorating pitch to perfection, putting immense pressure on his team. However, he is looking forward to the final game in Rawalpindi.

We weren't quite able to respond: Brendon McCullum

Brendon McCullum said during the post-match presentation, “Obviously, the conditions were incredibly extreme, and we knew that heading into this test match with the reused surface would have been lovely to have won the toss. I don't think it was a 100% toss; it was a 65 to 30-35%, but you know credit to Pakistan.

I thought they were able to get enough runs on the board in that first inning, and the way their spinners operated as the surface started to deteriorate was simply outstanding. It put us under a lot of pressure, and we weren't quite able to respond, but some stuff to be proud of, and we look forward to the next test.”

Furthermore, Brendon McCullum took a surprising stance on the controversial decision to reuse the pitch, saying it is a part of the game’s unpredictability. The England coach said that it was a natural advantage for the home side, as Pakistan needed to take a bold step to win the match.

In the end, Brendon McCullum insisted that the reused surface became a decisive factor once Pakistan won the toss, capitalizing on the conditions to secure victory.

"I quite like the quirk of it!" 😅

Brendon McCullum gives his thoughts on Pakistan reusing the same wicket for the second Test 💭 pic.twitter.com/2pXdVrsVxk

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) October 18, 2024