'We've obviously had a lot of fantastic moments..' - England skipper Ben Stokes reflects on historic win against India in first Test

On Sunday (January 28), England clinched a 28-run victory over India in the first Test held at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, taking a 1-0 lead in the ongoing five-match series in India. Despite trailing India by 190 runs in the first innings, the Ben Stokes-led side, propelled by Ollie Pope's remarkable 196, amassed 420 runs in the second innings, setting a target of 231 runs for India. This target posed a challenge to chase down in the fourth innings.

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The debutant Tom Hartley's impressive 7 for 62 in the second innings played a pivotal role as England emerged victorious by 28 runs, securing a memorable win. With this triumph, England also made history by becoming the first team to defeat India in a Test match played in Hyderabad. Following their remarkable victory over India in the series opener, England captain Ben Stokes remarked that the triumph in Hyderabad stands as his team's most significant win since he assumed the captaincy role.

"Since I've taken the captaincy on, we've obviously had a lot of fantastic moments as a team; we've had a lot of great victories, we've been involved in some amazing games. But I think where we are and who we're playing against, this victory...100% definitely our greatest triumph since I've been captain,” Stokes told in the post-match presentation ceremony.

 I'm a great observer of the game: Ben Stokes

Additionally, the star all-rounder described himself as a keen observer of cricket and disclosed that he gleaned valuable insights from his team's first innings in Hyderabad. The 32-year-old all-rounder also commended the standout performance of Tom Hartley, emphasizing his pivotal role in dismissing India and securing the victory for England. Stokes even said that the entire team has contributed to the historic win.

"To be perfectly honest with you, it's my first time coming out here and being in charge of the team, being the captain in these conditions. I'm not going to lie; I may not seem it but I'm a great observer of the game. I think that might have been pretty obvious, but absolutely thrilled for everyone involved. Tom Hartley on debut, to come and get nine wickets in the whole game; Ollie Pope's first game back after shoulder surgery; it's an incredible effort by everyone, even the people who might not necessarily have the rewards. I think everyone has contributed to a great win,” Stokes concluded.