'I’m disappointed with that result': Ex-Australia captain openly slams Ben Stokes' captaincy in Test series against India

The intense Test series between Shubman Gill's India and Ben Stokes' England has finally concluded in a 2-2 draw. The final match was a thrilling contest, with India securing a narrow six-run victory on the final day.

Michael Clarke questions Ben Stokes' captaincy

Throughout the series, both teams displayed exceptional batting, excellent fielding, and brilliant bowling performances. Following the series, former Australian captain Michael Clarke shared his perspective on the tournament's outcome and also questioned Ben Stokes' captaincy.

“This England team, I think, 2-2 draw in your own backyard, if I’m captain of that team, I’m disappointed with that result. I want to win, especially in my own conditions. I think they would’ve come into the series expecting to win,” Michael Clarke said this on his Youtube channel.

“I’m not taking India lightly, but I think they’ve overachieved, particularly with the lead-up to the series. If India lost the series, people would’ve respected and understood that. New captain, two of their most senior players not playing Test cricket, the best bowler in the world playing only three of the five matches – I think England would’ve gone into the series expecting to win. India have overperformed. To level the series 2-2, that’s definitely a win for India in my opinion,” he added.

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Although India had a better hold on the series, England went into the final day of the last Test at The Oval needing just 35 runs with four wickets in hand to clinch a 3-1 series win.

However, the deadly bowling combination of Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj turned the tables. They put England under immense pressure, leading to a stunning six-run victory for India and leveling the series at 2-2. Following the win, Indian captain Shubman Gill praised Siraj, calling him 'a captain's dream'. Many cricket experts also shared their excitement about India's dramatic comeback win.

Talking about Stokes' performance in the just-concluded five-match Test series against India, he had a strong showing both in his role as captain and as an individual player. He repeatedly came to England's rescue with the bat and bowled long spells to support his fellow pacers. Overall, Stokes finished the series with 304 runs from seven innings and 17 wickets from eight innings in the four matches he played. He was rested for the final Test at The Oval, a game which England ultimately lost by six runs.

Stokes is currently mentoring Harry Brook-led Northern Superchargers in the ongoing The Hundred Men's 2025 tournament. The star all-rounder is currently recovering from a left shoulder injury he sustained during the Test series against India.