'Being Brutally Honest...': MCG Carnage Sparks Ben Stokes To Slam Two-Day Tests

'Being Brutally Honest...': MCG Carnage Sparks Ben Stokes To Slam Two-Day Tests Ben Stokes reviews England's Ashes Boxing Day Test victory, the pitch conditions and their first Melbourne win since 2011. England skipper Ben Stokes has said that while the players would need to deal with whatever pitch conditions they are provided with for a five-day game, one would not want a game to finish within two days due to the pitch conditions, after the Boxing Day Test of the Ashes ended on Day 2. Day one of the fourth Test between Australia and England saw a dramatic collapse, with 20 wickets falling as the hosts were bowled out for just 152 and the tourists for a paltry 110. Recommended Stories Another 16 were taken on day two, with the high-profile clash all over within 142 overs inside two days. “When you go out there and you are faced with those conditions, you have got to crack on and deal with it. But being brutally honest, that isn’t really what you want. You know, Boxing Day Test, you don’t want a game finishing in less than two days," Stokes said at the end of the game. “It isn’t ideal, but you cannot change it once you start the game and you have just got to play what is in front of you," Stokes added. The four-wicket win against Australia at the fourth Test in Melbourne, England’s first in Australia since January 2011, came after an intense build-up. They weren’t only coming off three losses, but heavy scrutiny over their preparation for the tour and behaviour during a mid-series beach break. “It has been a massive effort from everyone and to come out on the right side of the result feels really special. A fair bit was going on in the build-up to this match, a lot being thrown our way," Stokes said. “For the lads to come out, stay focused and perform the way they did says a lot about the character in this team. Huge credit to the players, support staff and management for keeping everyone locked in on what mattered, playing good cricket," Stokes added. Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Cricket News , Live Cricket Scores , and trending updates, along with top stories across Sports News , Football News , WWE News , and other Sporting Events . Follow News18 on Google . Join the fun, play games on News18 . Download the News18 App to stay updated! Terms of Use and Privacy Policy .

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