IND vs ENG: England Under Ben Stokes Are A Far Cry From Joe Root-Led Side In 2021, Says Ian Chappell

Former Australia captain Ian Chappell has said England is a different side under Ben Stokes than the one that toured India in 2021, expect them to put up a fight against the home side in the remaining three Tests of the five-match series.

The marquee five-match series is locked at 1-1. India bounced back in the second Test in Visakhapatnam to level the series after England pulled off a thrilling victory in the series opener in Hyderabad. Chappell feels the series is wide open despite India's win.

"Ben Stokes' aggressive approach to captaincy may have failed to claim victory in a hard-fought second Test but the five-match series against India is still wide open at 1-1," Chappell wrote on ESPNCricinfo.

"Much of England's success has been attributed to Bazball - the desire to score quickly and tactically rattle the opposition - but this is a misnomer. What Stokes has really done is set out to achieve victory from ball one by playing aggressive cricket in all aspects of the game."

While Chappell adds that India are favourites as a home side, the former Australian cricketer believes the England side under Stokes is very different to the one that toured India in 2021.

"As the home side India should eventually win a tough series, but it has a real battle on their hands," Chappell said. "England under the aggressive leadership of Stokes are a far cry from the poorly captained Joe Root team that capitulated against spin on their last tour of the country."

In their previous tour of India in 2021, England, playing under Joe Root, had surrendered the Test series after winning the opener. In 2021, England beat India in Chennai to open the series before losing the next game at the same venue followed by defeats in Ahmedabad.

However, Chappell believes that England will not be the same side under a captain like Stokes, who has instilled great belief in his teammates with his all-round ability.

Stokes' captaincy has given the team belief that helps them produce something extra to gain some vital success on field, like a game-changing run-out by Stokes of Ravindra Jadeja, which shifted the game in England's favour and made India succumb to a 28-run loss.

"The England team has great belief in Stokes and it shows both on and off the field. The team takes wickets because they are continually looking for them, and this challenge is accepted by the bowlers," said Chappell.

"One of the great benefits of this strategy is that it enthuses the best players, and they are the ones most likely to affect the final result. The team also believe that Stokes' aggression will help them claim the odd unexpected success.

"This belief is what generally leads to a team producing something extra that leads to a vital wicket. Stokes' brilliance in the field helped him produce a run-out at a crucial time in Hyderabad - and it also helped increase team belief," he added.

England, who are currently in Abu Dhabi for a camp, will next face India on potentially a slow turner similar to the one used in Vizag, at the Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA) Stadium in Rajkot from Thursday (February 15).

(With inputs from agencies)