We prefer to run into the danger, not back away or stand still: Stokes

England skipper Ben Stokes, in wake of his side’s stunning run-chase in the final day of the Nottingham Test on Tuesday, lavished praise on the team and described the Three Lions as a unit that prefers to ‘run into the danger rather than back away or stand still’.  

On the final day at Trent Bridge, New Zealand added 60 more to their overnight score of 224, setting England a target of 299 in 72 overs. 

Going for an outright win from the get-go seemed risky, but England ‘went for it’ from the very first ball and were eventually rewarded for their aggression as the Three Lions remarkably ended up chasing the target in exactly 50 overs, thanks to an all-time-great onslaught from Jonny Bairstow (136 off 92 balls).

Stokes, post the game, revealed that England, in their mind, had only one thought, which was to go for the jugular.

"Got to give credit to the boys for all five days, phenomenal performance. Today was set up perfectly for how we want to go about it, run into the danger rather than back away or stand still,” Stokes said.

On the final day, New Zealand did not have the services of Kyle Jamieson, who sustained an injury mid-match that prevented him from bowling in England’s second innings. That ultimately proved costly for New Zealand as the hosts tore into debutant Michael Bracewell, whose 8 overs cost 60 runs. Stokes revealed that his side were keen to use Jamieson’s injury to their advantage by putting pressure on all bowlers.

“Credit to Leesy at the top again, two really important knocks for the team again, everyone's contributed. Test cricket isn't necessarily about what you've seen there, but we wanted to put pressure back on their attack, a seamer down a huge advantage, and once Jonny gets his "Jonny eyes" there's no stopping him.”

Ahead of the Test, one player that was under the scanner was Ollie Pope, who’d divided opinion with many seemingly growing frustrated with him not fulfilling his potential. But the 24-year-old, playing at No.3 for just the third time in his Test career, struck his first Test ton in 30 months to vindicate his selection. Stokes revealed that he never had any second thoughts about Pope being an integral part of the starting XI.

"Ollie Pope, I was very clear about him being in my team, the word that gets used is repaying the faith, but he doesn't owe us anything. We've seen what he's all about this week,” Stokes said of Pope.

The England skipper also thanked the Nottingham crowd for being the team’s 12th man on the final day. On day 5, entry was made free for all spectators.

“A huge shout-out to Nottingham for what they did, don't under-estimate the power of a home crowd."

Stokes seemed to sustain a knee injury while batting, but the 31-year-old confirmed that the injury is not a serious one.