<p>England captain Ben Stokes said his side's 28-run win against hosts India in Sunday's first test was their best victory under his leadership.</p><p>Since Stokes and head coach Brendon "Baz" McCullum took charge in 2022, England have championed an ultra-aggressive approach that puts entertainment above outcome.</p><p>Under the dynamic duo, the side have won test series at home against New Zealand and South Africa, while drawing the Ashes series against Australia last year.</p><p>They triumphed in Pakistan too but many wondered if their "Bazball" approach would work against India, who have not lost a test series at home since 2012.</p><p>"We've been part of some amazing games over the last few years," Stokes told reporters after England went 1-0 up in the five-match series.</p><p>"We've had some incredible victories but considering where we are and who we playing against, the position we found ourselves going into our second innings... it's a big reason as to why I feel this is our best victory since I've been captain."</p><p>England conceded a huge lead of 190 but vice-captain Ollie Pope's sublime 196 helped them to post 420 in the second innings, setting India a tricky target of 231.</p><p>Debutant spinner Tom Hartley (7-62) then ran through India's batting line-up to bowl England to a thrilling victory.</p><p>Stokes had no hesitation in calling Pope's masterclass the best knock by an English batter in India's spin-friendly conditions.</p><p>"I've been lucky enough to see a lot of Joe Root innings in sub-continent conditions but unfortunately now he’s slipped down to two or three behind Popey," Stokes said with player-of-the-match Pope by his side.</p><p>"Since becoming vice captain, he's done an incredible job with that this week as well. I keep going to him to throw ideas, plans, what he sees."</p><p>Left-arm spinner Hartley also showed a lot of character after bleeding 131 runs in 25 overs in India's first innings.</p><p>Stokes heaped praise on Hartley and had similar admiration for spinner Jack Leach, who soldiered on with a knee injury sustained during fielding.</p><p>"He's been an absolute warrior this week," Stokes said of Leach, his batting partner in the famous 2019 Ashes victory at Headingley.</p><p>"You know what he's had to go through to just be standing on the field, and also bowling those overs."</p><p>"The commitment he’s shown is honestly inspiring, it's amazing."</p><p>"He is an absolute legend who epitomises what I want everyone's focus to be on, which is the team above individual success."</p>
<p>England captain Ben Stokes said his side's 28-run win against hosts India in Sunday's first test was their best victory under his leadership.</p><p>Since Stokes and head coach Brendon "Baz" McCullum took charge in 2022, England have championed an ultra-aggressive approach that puts entertainment above outcome.</p><p>Under the dynamic duo, the side have won test series at home against New Zealand and South Africa, while drawing the Ashes series against Australia last year.</p><p>They triumphed in Pakistan too but many wondered if their "Bazball" approach would work against India, who have not lost a test series at home since 2012.</p><p>"We've been part of some amazing games over the last few years," Stokes told reporters after England went 1-0 up in the five-match series.</p><p>"We've had some incredible victories but considering where we are and who we playing against, the position we found ourselves going into our second innings... it's a big reason as to why I feel this is our best victory since I've been captain."</p><p>England conceded a huge lead of 190 but vice-captain Ollie Pope's sublime 196 helped them to post 420 in the second innings, setting India a tricky target of 231.</p><p>Debutant spinner Tom Hartley (7-62) then ran through India's batting line-up to bowl England to a thrilling victory.</p><p>Stokes had no hesitation in calling Pope's masterclass the best knock by an English batter in India's spin-friendly conditions.</p><p>"I've been lucky enough to see a lot of Joe Root innings in sub-continent conditions but unfortunately now he’s slipped down to two or three behind Popey," Stokes said with player-of-the-match Pope by his side.</p><p>"Since becoming vice captain, he's done an incredible job with that this week as well. I keep going to him to throw ideas, plans, what he sees."</p><p>Left-arm spinner Hartley also showed a lot of character after bleeding 131 runs in 25 overs in India's first innings.</p><p>Stokes heaped praise on Hartley and had similar admiration for spinner Jack Leach, who soldiered on with a knee injury sustained during fielding.</p><p>"He's been an absolute warrior this week," Stokes said of Leach, his batting partner in the famous 2019 Ashes victory at Headingley.</p><p>"You know what he's had to go through to just be standing on the field, and also bowling those overs."</p><p>"The commitment he’s shown is honestly inspiring, it's amazing."</p><p>"He is an absolute legend who epitomises what I want everyone's focus to be on, which is the team above individual success."</p>