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Former India's star wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has criticised England captain Ben Stokes for what he sees as a lack of importance given to the World Test Championship (WTC). Stokes, who was ruled out of the fifth Test against India, previously expressed his confusion with the WTC's points system and his frustration with the strict penalties for slow over rates.
Dinesh Karthik slams Ben Stokes for prioritising Ashes over WTC
Despite three WTC cycles, England are yet to reach a final. Under Stokes's leadership since 2022, England finished fifth in the 2023–25 cycle, even after playing a significant 22 matches over two years. While Karthik credited Stokes with revitalizing England's Test side after a difficult 2021, he suggested that the all-rounder's apparent disregard for the WTC seems like an excuse for his team's underperformance.
"All they (England) have done in the last couple of years is prepare for The Ashes. We, in 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," Karthik said on Cricbuzz.
Ben Stokes' injury not a concern ahead of Ashes
Stokes was ruled out of the final Test against India at The Oval due to a biceps tendon injury in his right shoulder. The injury, which has been identified as a Grade 3 tear, worsened during the drawn fourth Test in Manchester, where he was visibly in discomfort while bowling. He is expected to stay away from cricket for up to seven weeks, but that won't hinder his participation in the Ashes in Australia, which will get underway from November, this year.
Karthik also commented on the ongoing match, expressing confidence that India has scored enough runs to level the series. He noted that the pitch hasn't become significantly easier to bat on. England now faces the challenging task of chasing a 374-run target in the fifth Test at The Oval to win the series. They are set to face Australia, who currently lead the WTC standings with a perfect winning record, later this year
"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-ups. I feel there is enough in this pitch to work with," Karthik added.
"I know India has a very strong chance walking into Day 4. I genuinely believe, with the attack and pitch being the way it is, it is very much within India's sight to win this Test match," he signed off.
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