Ben Stokes' England labelled illiterate as India pressure mounts

Former Team India wicket-keeper Dinesh Karthik criticized England captain Ben Stokes for showing a lack of interest in the World Test Championship (WTC). Karthik stated that teams like India take the World Test Championship seriously, but England prioritize the Ashes series, calling it a “strange” approach.

England have not reached the final in any of the first three World Test Championship cycles. Ben Stokes, who took over as captain in 2022, has led the side in one full cycle (2023-25). The England national cricket team played 22 matches and finished fifth in the standings, failing to advance to the finals.

The World Test Championship Is a Bit Confusing - Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes raised his confusion regarding the World Test Championship points system and admitted that he doesn't focus much on the standings. Speaking during England’s tour of New Zealand in late 2024, Stokes said that consistent performances over time guarantee a spot in the final.

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“In all honesty, the World Test Championship, it is a bit confusing, it’s one of those where, you know we don’t really look at it, I don’t look at it. It’s one of those where over a long period of time if you’re playing really good cricket, you’re getting results that you want, you’ll end up finding yourself there in the final and in the mix," Ben Stokes had said in a press conference.

Ben Stokes Doesn’t Understand the Table Itself - Dinesh Karthik

Dinesh Karthik stated that Ben Stokes had a positive impact on the England Test side after their struggles in 2021. Speaking on Cricbuzz, Karthik questioned Stokes’ lack of understanding of the WTC points system, adding it might be an excuse for the team's underwhelming performance.

"All they (England) have done in the last couple of years is prepare for The Ashes. We, at India, value the WTC a lot. Ben Stokes, for some strange reason, does not understand the table itself. I don't know if that is a bit of an excuse," Dinesh Karthik said on Cricbuzz.

England have begun the WTC 2025-27 cycle on a positive note, with two wins and a draw from their first four games. Australia are currently in top place with a 100% points percentage.

There Is Enough in This Pitch to Work With - Dinesh Karthik

Dinesh Karthik stated that India have posted a sufficient target to level the series. He added that India’s batting may have made the surface seem easier than it actually is, but expects the pitch to offer inconsistent bounce, creating opportunities for the bowlers.

"Oh, 100 percent (On India having enough on the board). I was convinced India needed to set 280-300 on this wicket. It feels like that (the pitch has eased out) because of the way they batted. Tomorrow, we'll see one or two kick-up. I feel there is enough in this pitch to work with," Karthik added.

On Day 3, Yashasvi Jaiswal smashed a century, while Akash Deep, Washington Sundar, and Ravindra Jadeja chipped in with half-centuries. India posted a total of 396 to put pressure on the hosts.

England's openers made a steady start against the new ball. However, Mohammed Siraj struck late in the day, dismissing Zak Crawley to swing the momentum back in India’s favour. England ended the day at 50/1, still needing 324 runs for victory.

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