These are the hardest conditions I have ever faced as a batsman: Ben Stokes

Amid the discussion around the pitches, Ben Stokes has accepted that these are the most challenging conditions he has played on. The surfaces being prepared by India for the ongoing series against England have been the central subject of discussion. After Day 1 of the 4th Test in Ahmedabad, Ben Stokes had no hesitation in accepting that these were the most stringent conditions he has ever faced. Stokes is familiar with playing in India. He has been a part of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and has toured India before. But the challenge that he has faced this time in India is incomparable.

After scoring 55 runs with the bat on the opening day of the 4th Test, Stokes managed to guide England to a total of 205 runs. Speaking to media after the end of the first day's play, Ben Stokes had a vigorous admission about the conditions that he has played on as a batsman since his arrival.

Different phases of the game threw several challenges at the batsmen: Ben Stokes

The pitch for the fourth and final Test between India and England has had a bit to offer to both spinners and fast bowlers. Mohammed Siraj retrieved good pace and bounce from the pitch. Axar Patel and R Ashwin picked up eight wickets between them to bundle out England for 205. Stokes also admitted that different phases of the game threw several challenges at the batsmen. The all-rounder claimed that the fourth Test pitch was much better than the third Test.

With the hosts leading 2-1 in the four-match series, England is in a must-win situation. The visitors are already out of the World Test Championship final. However, they can still impose some damage to the hosts by knocking them out of the competition, too, with a win in Ahmedabad.

India is 108/4 currently with Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant at the crease. The hosts are still trailing by 120 runs. India lost three crucial wickets on Day 2 before Lunch break. Jack Leach picked up the wicket of Cheteshwar Pujara, and Ben Stokes dismissed Indian captain Virat Kohli. Ravichandran Ashwin is still the leading wicket-taker with 27 wickets. Axar Patel, who is on a dream run in his debut Test series, has already claimed 22 wickets.

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